ELKHART — The exhibit “American Portraits: Identity, Persona, & Power” continues through Sept. 30 at Midwest Museum of American Art429 S. Main St.
Director/curator Brian Byrn has assembled more than 100 examples of American portraits from the museum's permanent collection along with additional portraits of people created by 12 living artists from throughout the Michiana region and beyond.
In particular, issues of identity, persons and power are highlighted.
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Portraiture in America began as a record of wealthy landowners, their wives, and their children. Sometimes the beloved horse, cow, or hunting dog precluded family images.
As the country developed, the rich and powerful—male industrialists and presidents and important politicians—continued to dominate American portraiture as subjects.
But with the advent of photography in the 19th century, more and more people began to record their portraits.
In the 20th century, the persona of a subject became an important component in the mythologizing of Americans, particularly politicians, actors, and fictional characters represented in advertising.
Now, in the 21st century, the portrait is more likely to convey a person's brand or image, but the ordinary person with no intention of becoming famous can now be captured more easily than ever and post their likeness on Instagram or Facebook as digital portrait.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is $10-$6. free for ages 7 and under.
For more information, call 574-293-6660 or visit midwestmuseum.org.
