Chuck Close

Definition

Chuck Close is an American painter and photographer known for his large-scale, photorealistic portraits that often utilize a grid technique. His work exemplifies a return to figuration in postwar art, as he reinvigorated representational art by merging traditional painting with modern techniques and innovations in photography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chuck Close became paralyzed from the neck down in 1988 due to a spinal artery collapse but continued to create art using adaptive techniques.
2. He often paints from photographs of his friends, family, and himself, transforming these images into massive canvases that display intricate detail.
3. Close's work is characterized by his use of a modular approach, where he constructs images from smaller parts, leading to a unique viewing experience from different distances.
4. He was influential in the development of contemporary art movements that focus on the intersection of abstraction and figuration.
5. Close has received numerous accolades for his contributions to art, including a National Medal of Arts award in 2000.

Review Questions

• How did Chuck Close's approach to portrait painting reflect the broader trend of returning to figuration in postwar art?
  • Chuck Close's approach to portrait painting is a prime example of the return to figuration in postwar art, as he combined traditional techniques with modern methods. By using a grid method and focusing on photorealism, Close brought back representational art at a time when abstraction was dominant. His large-scale portraits not only challenged the boundaries of painting but also engaged with contemporary themes of identity and perception, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of his time.
• Discuss the significance of Close's grid method in relation to his artistic process and the viewer's experience.
  • The grid method is significant in Chuck Close's artistic process as it allows him to break down complex images into manageable sections, facilitating precision and accuracy in his work. This technique not only aids in creating highly detailed portraits but also transforms the viewer's experience; up close, the images appear abstract and fragmented, while stepping back reveals a coherent and lifelike representation. This duality invites viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels, encouraging them to reconsider how they perceive visual information.
• Evaluate how Chuck Close's personal challenges have influenced his artistic expression and contributions to contemporary art.
  • Chuck Close's personal challenges, particularly his paralysis, have profoundly influenced his artistic expression and contributions to contemporary art. Rather than retreating from his practice after his accident, he adapted by developing new methods to create art, showcasing resilience and innovation. This perseverance has not only enriched his work but also serves as an inspiration within the art community, highlighting themes of overcoming adversity. His ability to continue producing compelling artwork emphasizes the role of personal experience in shaping artistic identity and narrative within contemporary discourse.

Related terms

Photorealism: A genre of art that uses photographs as the reference for creating highly detailed and realistic paintings.

Grid Method: A technique used in drawing and painting where an artist divides their reference image into a grid and then replicates it on their canvas, allowing for accurate proportions and placements.

Minimalism: An art movement that emphasizes simplicity and the use of basic forms, often contrasting with the complexity of Close's detailed portraits.