Fanny/Fingerpainting 1985

This monumental portrait titled 'Fanny/Fingerpainting', was created by Chuck Close using the unusual technique of fingerpainting. The overall impression is one of striking detail, achieved through a dense accumulation of marks and textures. The composition, dominated by the subject's face, invites a close, almost confrontational viewing experience. Close's method is intriguing. By using his fingerprints, Close disrupts traditional notions of artistic skill. He challenges our expectations, prompting questions about the nature of representation and the role of the artist's hand. This method also embodies a democratic approach to portraiture, elevating an everyday technique to the realm of high art. The sheer scale and unconventional method emphasize the materiality of the work, drawing attention to the process of its creation and the unique language that is employed, and that is pushing the boundaries of portraiture.