New York-based artist Christopher J. Wilson reveals his inaugural series, The Global Citizen Project, portraits linked through one theme: the global footprint of New York City residents. Through photorealistic portraiture and first-person narratives, this series magnifies immigration and the global diaspora of race, ethnicity, religion, and culture that enhance New York City.
In Wilson’s untraditional oil portraits—some larger than life—his subjects appear genuine. Instead of staging posed shots, Wilson took candid photos of each Global Citizen while they were interviewed about their life and why they chose to live in New York City. The artist drew his inspiration for each composition through the photo shoot, life story, and personality of his subjects.
“Revealing” depicts a Pakistani Sufi Muslim woman brought to America at age five who decided to take off her head wrap in college; in 2009 she moved to New York with her husband and three children. Wilson focuses on her delicate fingers caressing the dark tresses against her face as she gives the viewer her infectious smile.
Each story unique, the narratives retell life experiences, such as being a first or second-generation immigrant, coming from meager beginnings, religious exploration, entrepreneurial success, and his/her love affair with New York City.
In an effort to produce a tangible, engaging portrait series that focuses on the people of New York City, The Global Citizen Project aims to expose the viewer to diversity through an unbiased microscope.
New Century Artists, Inc. 530 West 25th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10001 Tell: 212-367-7072 www.newcenturyartists.org
Exhibition dates and hours: January 6, 2010 to February 6, 2010, Tues to Sat, 11 AM to 6 PM – Opening Reception: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 3 PM to 6 PM
www.paintwilson.com
Image: Christopher J. Wilson, “Revealing”. Oil on canva
