Spotlight: The Outwin 2016 at the National Portrait Gallery
The Outwin 2016 rewards portraits that have forged an "emotional and psychological connection" with subjects
Every three years, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery showcases the finalists of the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, named for a late benefactor. The juried exhibit draws from more than 2,500 submissions in all media, including video, and is open to artists over 18, who live and work in the U.S., and who have had a direct encounter with their subject.
The current exhibit, on display through January, contains several LGBT-related works, including a self-portrait of Jess T. Dugan of St. Louis; a romantic photograph of two transgender teens by Evan Baden of Oregon; and a patriotically-emblazoned painting by D.C.’s Tim Doud featuring his spouse in full plume. This year’s winner is a stunning, somewhat haunting painting of a young African-American girl by Amy Sherald of Baltimore.
Among the 43 works: “Harvey and Teddy” (2014), an oil on linen by Minneapolis artist Paul Oxborough commissioned by the couple to commemorate their marriage. “It’s been one of the most popular portraits on display,” says the Smithsonian’s Dorothy Moss, director of the competition and curator of the exhibit.
“The jury viewed portraiture as an emotional and psychological experience,” she continues. “When a portrait is successful, it ceases to be an object and becomes an experience for the viewer.”
The Outwin 2016: American Portraiture Today is on display through January 8, 2017 at the National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW. Call 202-633-8300 or visit npg.si.edu.
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