As a record of our physical appearance, portraiture seems deceptively simple. It focuses on what can be seen and described objectively. The lines in our face, the tilt of our chin, the gaze of our eyes, perhaps even physical stature or clothing might be described.
Appearances are most important because they are directly observed and objectively represented.
It is well known, however, that portraiture is not simply a record of physical appearances, but that it has long served to mark out individuals and groups against the broader social landscape. When we know the person who is pictured, the physical likeness allows us a touchstone for our imagination. For example, school photographs are taken every year for the families of students, corporate executives are portrayed in the correct, sober suits for the company's annual report. On the other hand, an artist whose work will be shown in public exhibition does not have the luxury of knowing whose imaginations will animate their work Here the artists cannot depend on physically descriptive portraiture to trigger the imagination. Portraiture and the Imagination which toured the province through the Mackenzie Gallery's Outreach Program.