Phil/Fingerprint
Chuck Close

Chuck Close has been included in the show, but it is one of his photorealism works with the small squares. I had seen the above work in the VAG a few years ago. Unfortunately you cannot see each print in this reproduction. The actual size is 93 x 69". The effect, when you stand across the room, is a sharp realistic image. As you move in, the lines become softened, blurry, and the delicate quality of this portrait is revealed. Thousands of fingerprints construct this image of Philip Glass. I had originally looked at this work with ideas of the artist's hand, and the reaction to minimalism, but now it takes on a whole other meaning under the context of mandatory fingerprinting. A reminder of humanity, I think.