Big Self-Portrait 1968

Chuck Close made this incredible self-portrait using graphite, charcoal, and conté crayon, conjuring his image on a grand scale. You can almost feel the powdery texture of the materials as they build up the tones of his face. I’m thinking about the back-and-forth between control and chance, precision and accident, that he must have experienced creating this work. Think about the challenge of translating a photograph into a drawing of this size, and maintaining clarity while also allowing the hand to do its thing. The cigarette seems like a clue, somehow–like Close took a break while doing it. Close’s mark-making is so nuanced, so sensitive to the gradations of light and shadow on his face. The way he renders his hair, for example – those loose, scribbly lines that capture the unruly texture and movement. You can also sense a bit of David Hockney in there, with a dash of Philip Guston, and maybe some Warhol. I love how artists are in constant dialogue. They are always pushing each other to see things in new ways.