Nikko 

Joshua LaRock's oil painting, Nikko, invites us to consider the enduring power of portraiture within contemporary art. Made in the twenty-first century, this work operates within a long tradition of portraiture, which has historically been tied to wealth, status, and power. By choosing a seemingly ordinary subject, LaRock subtly challenges the traditional function of the portrait. The painting’s meaning lies not in the sitter's social standing but in the artist's skill and the viewer's interpretation. LaRock's technical skill is evident in the nuanced rendering of light and shadow, reminiscent of the Old Masters. He appropriates these techniques while shifting away from the traditional subjects of that period, offering a contemporary commentary on the genre. As art historians, we examine not only the artwork itself but also the socio-cultural context in which it was created and consumed. Academic journals, artist biographies, and exhibition catalogues are invaluable resources to understand the social and institutional forces at play.