Chuck Close - Infinite

Have you ever heard of Chuck Close? He's a legendary portrait painter and master of photorealism who has influenced American culture and the international art community for decades.

Chuck Close

What's so special about Close is that he blurred the line between fine art and photography, controversially changing the art scene forever. He created portraits using a wide range of techniques, from Polaroid photography to oil painting, mosaic-tilework, and tapestry.

One of the things that sets Close apart is his signature method. He starts by photographing his subject and then transfers the image onto a large canvas using a systematic, grid-based rubric. As he paints, he inserts concentric colors into each cell, creating combinations that alter the way we perceive the overall color. This process is known as "optical blending," and it's what makes his paintings so unique.

Many critics have labeled Close's process as "scientific," but there's a surprising musicality to it as well. The repetitions of the grid create a precise and regular rhythm, while the variations in color represent a series of chromatic modulations. It's like working with a musical chord, but with color!

But what's even more fascinating is the story behind Close's art. He suffered from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which drove him to create portraits in the first place. He wanted to commit images of his loved ones to memory, immortalizing their faces in his art. And despite facing physical challenges that required him to use a wheelchair, Close flourished as an artist.

In his studio, Close has created portraits of famous faces like Kate Moss, Brad Pitt, Lou Reed, and even Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Each of them noted the duality of working with Close. It felt like a conversation with a close friend, but also a formalized and rigorous process of creating a professional photograph.

What's truly remarkable about Close's art is the hyperrealistic stylization. His portraits can take several months to create, with no intent to flatter or embellish the subject. Instead, any imperfection becomes part of their biography, revealing their true selves.

Garry Tatitsian gallery in Moscow

If you're interested in seeing Close's incredible art in person, be sure to check out his solo show at the Gary Tatintsian Gallery. You'll be blown away by his photorealistic oil paintings, mosaics, and tapestries. His work has been featured in exhibitions and museum collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Britain in London.

Chuck Close's art is a true celebration of individuality, reflecting the power of the human face and the unique stories behind each one. Don't miss your chance to experience it for yourself!