Exploring History's Dimensions: A Tour of Black Portraiture Redesign
In the world of contemporary art, Peter Brathwaite and his photographic partner Sam Baldock are making waves with their project, "Rediscovering Black Portraiture." This ambitious endeavour sees Brathwaite recreating iconic portraits from different eras and cultures, with a focus on highlighting the black figure in art history.
One of the subjects of Brathwaite's re-creations is Ira Aldridge, a British actor of African descent who made a name for himself in the 19th century. The original portrait of Aldridge, created by James Northcote, is currently on loan to the National Portrait Gallery, London. Brathwaite's digital recreation of this portrait can be found on Bridgeman Images.
Another subject of Brathwaite's project is James Hunter, a black draftee, depicted in a 1965 artwork by Alice Neel. This powerful piece, executed in oil on canvas, measures 60 x 40 inches and is currently in the possession of The Estate of Alice Neel.
Brathwaite's re-creation of this piece, along with other photographic recreations, can be seen in the exhibition "Rediscovering Black Portraiture," which has been showcased at The Higgins Bedford museum. For more information about the exhibition and related artworks, one can explore Peter Brathwaite's Instagram, where he often shares insights into his artistic process and connections to historical portraits.
The project also includes the re-creation of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a 1745 artwork housed in the Wellcome Library, London. The digital image of this re-creation can be found on Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 4.0.
More recently, Brathwaite and Baldock have recreated Africa, the Land of Hope and Promise for Negro Peoples of the World, a 2020 artwork by Bisa Butler. This piece, made from cotton, silk, wool, and velvet, is currently in a private collection. The digital image of this re-creation is not specified.
The project also includes the re-creation of Aïcha, a 1922 artwork by Félix Vallotton. This oil on canvas piece is also in a private collection. The digital image of this re-creation can be found on Alamy Stock Photo.
By recreating these iconic portraits, Brathwaite and Baldock are not only paying homage to the artists who originally created these works but also challenging the traditional depictions of black figures in art. Their work serves as a reminder of the rich history of black representation in art and the importance of continuing to celebrate and elevate these stories.
For those interested in learning more about "Rediscovering Black Portraiture," it may also be useful to check library catalogues, museum exhibition archives, or bookstore listings under Peter Brathwaite’s name for detailed academic or commercial publications.
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