Matt Held
Howie by Matt Held
What makes a great portrait?
Timothy Archibald: “Trying to really pinpoint what makes a great portrait is almost like trying to figure out why it feels good when someone smiles at you or why it is disturbing when someone yells at you. There are these rules, this structure, and then there is this human intangible element that is the wild card. Everyone seems to know how to play by the rules and follow the structure, but as far as the intangible goes, this third element, that’s where it all falls apart or comes together, it allows the portrait to sink or swim or really transcend.” 1
1 http://www.jmcolberg.com/weblog/2008/02/what_makes_a_great_portrait.html
Matt Held is is a really talented artist that I have been following his work for some time now I have always loved portraiture and Matt’s work really stands out. I am unashamed to say I am a fan. Have you seen his work? If the answer to that question is no then you are missing out on an experience. The portraits Matt is creating at the moment are based on the subjects facebook avatars.
What is his motivation? Matt best describes it:
“With the development of social networking sites, I’ve developed an interest in how people take simple or complex snapshots of themselves, post them to their page as a representation of who they are and what they want people to see. It is an interesting form of control and, in a way, self-preservation. However, there is a strong likelihood that many people who don’t know you will see this photo representation and make passing judgments [sic]as to who you may or may not be, much in the same way we make passing judgments on people we see in our neighborhoods [sic]every day. “
Up until now, most of us could only see Matt’s work on facebook. You would have to be a member and stumble upon it. Now however Matt is doing a show in New York this September (details below) If you are in this part of the world you have to attend. And make sure you drop me a line to tell me how much you liked it.
Solo show at Platform Project Space – Denise Bibro Fine Art. Opening September 10th, 2009 (running through October 3rd) 529 West 20th Street 4th Floor, New York, NY.
Look for more information on this blogsite or Matt’s Facebook Group page
