Keeping it Real

Thought I’d mention one of the heavier shows I’ve seen in a long time, ‘Saving Faces’ portraits by Mark Gilbert, at The John Slade Ely House. The show is an extensive meditation and painterly portrayal of pre-op, op, and post-op faces from individuals who were disfigured in one way or another. The painting is mediocre, but the subject matter is intense, and the accompanying biography of individuals moves the art into a documentary realm. Overall, it’s a powerful show, at times difficult to look at, and in some ways on par with Body Worlds – where scientific inquiry crosses into the world of art. Check It Out.