Facial Recognition

Aportrait serves many purposes. It can remind us of who we are or who someone once was, whether depicted in great accuracy or through symbolism. While our fascination with a portrait is often an ineffable experience, there's one simple explanation of the appeal of a human face: connection—made possible through technique, style and color.

- CHELSEA KORESSEL

Take for example, the most famous portrait of all time—the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. His use of sfumato, a painting technique that softens the transition between colors, eradicating hard lines in the composition and emulating the way the eye sees; combined with his startling accuracy—a result of the artist's obsession with science and anatomical precision—created an effect that was quite revolutionary. The added allure of mystery within the painting, stemming from the subject's subtle smile and delicate charm, keeps the viewer engaged. The more time they spend contemplating the piece, the more they connect with it. One could argue that it becomes deeply psychological, bordering on the spiritual.

Today, we see artists providing connection through these very same principles, while expressing their own individual style. In a preview of her solo show at Arcadia Contemporary last year, artist Mary Jane Ansell shares, “A significant influence was the loss of someone very close to me, who embodied the extraordinary strength and leadership of women. I wanted to capture and celebrate this strength, showing young girls reveling in their power and exploring their own narratives. Additionally, the symbolism and narratives of Greek and Roman myths have always fascinated me, blending these ancient symbols with modern contexts to explore themes of love, relationships and inner strength.”

Ansell’s work