So, the online exhibition of the #PortraitsforNHSheroes project is up and running...and it's safe to say it's pretty amazing.
If you're reading this, and don't know what I'm talking about then let me direct you to my blog post HERE which explains the project, and the projects creator, Tom's website HERE
But, in summary, the #PortraitsforNHSheroes is a project set up by Tom Croft (he was on Sky Arts PortraitArtistoftheYear if you recognise his name but can't place him) where artists honour and document the crucial work the frontline health workers are doing to fight against the coronavirus.
As I'm writing this post, there have been 14.3K posts under the hashtag, with more incredible portraits being added everyday. Over 780 of these pieces have been included within an online Google exhibition which you can view HERE - and I highly encourage you to do so.
I've spent longer than I'd care to admit looking through them all, reading the quotes, and finding many new artists to follow...I've picked some of my favourite portraits to share with you here...
First up is an artist I've been following for quite some time, and is the cover photo on the main exhibit page. I absolutely adore this piece created by Darren Butcher, it's great to see all the different personalities on the frontline.
Next up is a portrait of Alyce Bagge by Martin Jessup, there's a lot to love in this portrait, but most of all I just love the expression he has captured on Alyce's face. Martin documented his process of painting the piece over on his Instagram, and it was lovely seeing it all come together.
Another fav of mine is this piece of Dr. Mayowa Oyebolu by Trudy Good. The direct gaze shows so many different emotions, and reading about the many stories of these workers just show how incredible tough their jobs have become.
This portrait of Alina Nicodim by Michael Riddle, is a two in one piece. Not only do we have the amazing portrait in his signature style, but he included another mini-piece in the background of her in her full PPE.
Safya by Phoebe Cripps. I love the choice of combining the soft charcoal medium with her out of uniform and PPE, it really shows her character away from being a nurse.
This piece was painted from an end-of-shift photograph of Sukhpree, painted by Martyn Harris. This is another great example of portraiture allowing people to share their experiences and stories, and this exhibit allowing more and more people to hear about them.
So, clearly I am in some VERY good company, it really was an honour to be included within the Healthcare Heroes exhibit. I'll leave my own entry of the exhibit here - of the extremely inspiring Dr Sophie Thorrold - in case you haven't already seen it.
Let me know what you think of the exhibit - Thanks for reading!
KTx