WORDS / HOLLY TALLON

This spring the Historic Arkansas Museum’s Trinity Gallery in Little Rock will host the portraiture of painter John Harlan Norris. The Trinity Gallery has been showcasing the best artistic talent in Arkansas since 1973, and Norris’ work is no exception. In an age in which occupation has become the king of self-image and the norm seems to find people changing jobs regularly, Norris’ “Public Face” both deconstructs and redefines the portrait genre.

Norris puts a modern spin on the traditional portrait, which focuses on the individual characteristics and working lives of sitters, by creating works in which each individual’s personal characteristics are eclipsed by their careers and daily occupations. In fact, this obscuration of individual identity is even present in his process; Norris used to use sitters more often but now relies primarily on busts and found objects to “sculpt” the subjects of his paintings.

MinerLargeThe fact that this exhibition is at a history museum as opposed to a more traditional art museum type setting is unique. Norris expressed his excitement for the upcoming show:

“Having a show with a big body of work is a nice way to take stock of where you are and where you might be going in ways that are often surprising. I also just hope to share the work with a new audience. This being a history museum, perhaps some will respond to the work who weren’t coming in with the expectation of encountering my odd take on contemporary portraiture. That to me is exciting, because I want to make work that can speak to those outside of an arts background as well as those well versed with that world.”

Most importantly, Norris’ work is about being specific in its presentation of occupation and identity yet open enough in its conception to cause viewers to ask questions and present their own interpretations. “Public Face” will open with a reception on February 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and run through May 3. The exhibition will be free to the public. Come to Little Rock this spring and see what you think about the “public face” of the present day.

Norris received his MFA in painting and drawing from Louisiana State University in 2005 and is currently an associate professor at Arkansas State University. Norris has exhibited his work nationwide including, most recently, at the BRG Center for Contemporary Art in Baton Rouge, Plus Gallery in Denver and 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville.

 

VISIT:  JohnHarlanNorris.com

HistoricArkansas.org

 

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