Step into the world of Christopher Hanson’s powerful new exhibition, Portraits in Silence – The Symbolism of Identity. Through a captivating series of large-scale, realistic portraits, Hanson challenges traditional notions of representation, focusing on people historically excluded from classical portraiture. Trained at the London Academy of Representational Art, Hanson’s classical approach is grounded in an exploration of identity, race, and culture.
Drawing on his unique experience as the first and only Black artist to graduate from the London Academy of Representational Art – an atelier school with traditional teaching methods – Hanson’s work explores the beauty, fascination and complexity of Black and Brown bodies, which historically have been depicted in painting as exotic, hyper-sexual and hyper-masculine. In this new exhibition, the artist invites viewers to see beyond this and connect with the raw, intimate stories of those historically excluded from classical painting or on the margins of society.
Portraits in Silence showcases new works developed during Hanson’s residencies at The Art House (TAH) in 2022 and 2023. A new body of work introduces individuals who Hanson worked closely with, who have experienced the asylum process and are part of TAH’s Studio of Sanctuary. These portraits give voice to refugees and those who have had to seek sanctuary in the UK, bringing to light personal histories that are often hidden or overlooked in traditional portraiture.
The new series will be shown for the first time, and brought together alongside some of Hanson’s signature works. His large-scale realistic portraits of subjects using traditional painting methods show great accuracy and detail. Hanson not only captures the likeness, but the essence of his sitters, presenting classical in technique but contemporary in content.
More information and access details below
Join us for a celebratory event and drinks reception on Wednesday 26 March from 17:00-20:00.
ACCESS
This exhibition is featured in the Tiled Gallery.
–The space is moderately lit and quite
–The gallery is Guide and Support dog-friendly (We ask that dogs be kept on leads).
–The room has level access and allows space for wheelchair/mobility aid/pushchair users or people with Guide dogs to pass comfortably.
– Easy Read, Braille, Dyslexia-Friendly and Audio versions of the exhibition text.
–Sensory ear defenders are available for use during your visit, and can be picked up at the front desk.
–We offer We also offer exhibition private views by appointment for people unable to visit during standard opening hours, including mask-wearing and other precautions.
See our Access page for full details