Chuck Close artworks are the maestro of pixels and portraits. Born on July 5, 1940, in Monroe, Washington, Close’s journey into the world of art began with a childhood fascination for drawing and an unwavering support from his family. Despite facing challenges due to severe dyslexia, Close’s artistic spirit soared. His early education at the University of Washington laid the foundation for a career that would redefine the landscape of portraiture. Married to artist Leslie Rose, Chuck Close’s family became both his sanctuary and inspiration.
His career, spanning decades, has been an odyssey of innovation, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Now, let’s dive into the kaleidoscopic tapestry of Chuck Close’s artworks that has left an indelible mark on the canvas of art history.
1. Emma
| Date of Completion | 2002 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 72 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
“Emma” kicks off our technicolor adventure, a riot of hues and patterns that practically leaps off the canvas. Completed in 2002, it’s as if Close threw a paint party and invited us to join. The colors are bold, the grid is like a dance floor, and Emma herself is the life of the artistic fiesta.
FUN FACT: Chuck Close was initially intended to pursue a career in underwater filmmaking before finding his passion for art. Close’s fascination with the underwater world led him to attend the University of Washington’s School of Fine Arts.
2. Self-Portrait
| Date of Completion | 1997 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 84 inches |
| Location | Walker Art Center, Minneapolis |
Close turns the spotlight on himself in this colossal self-portrait. Completed in ’97, it’s like he’s saying, “This is me – take it or leave it!” The grid is like a roadmap to the quirks and nuances of his persona, and the sheer size of it makes you feel like you’re standing in front of the Chuck Close mirror – oversized glasses and all.
3. Agnes
| Date of Completion | 1999 |
| Dimensions | 102 x 84 inches |
| Location | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
“Agnes” is a burst of confetti and emotion on canvas! Completed in ’99, it’s like Close decided to throw a party for Agnes and invited every color in the palette. The grid is like a choreographer, orchestrating a dance of shapes and hues that makes you want to join in and celebrate.
4. Alex (Color)
| Date of Completion | 1993 |
| Dimensions | 72 x 60 inches |
| Location | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art |
“Alex (Color)” is Close’s way of saying, “Who said portraits have to be boring?” Completed in ’93, it’s a visual feast that feels like you’ve stepped into a technicolor dream. The grid is like a DJ spinning a kaleidoscope of beats, and Alex is the star of the psychedelic show.
5. Leslie
| Date of Completion | 1976 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 72 inches |
| Location | Museum of Modern Art, New York |
“Leslie” is a snapshot of Close’s early mastery, a groovy disco ball of artistic expression. Completed in ’76, the grid here is like a funky retro pattern, transporting us back to the days of bell bottoms and disco fever.
6. The Beat of the Grid
| Date of Completion | 1984 |
| Dimensions | 102 x 84 inches |
| Location | Tate Modern, London |
“The Beat of the Grid” is Close’s visual symphony, a rhythmic explosion of energy on canvas. Completed in ’84, the artwork pulses with life, and you can almost hear the beats thumping as you stare at the canvas. The grid is like a musical score, conducting a vibrant orchestra of shapes and colors.
7. Phil
| Date of Completion | 1969 |
| Dimensions | 72 x 60 inches |
| Location | Museum of Modern Art, New York |
Close’s artistic repertoire goes beyond the canvas. “Phil” is like a backstage pass to Close’s creative workshop. It’s a reminder that this artist isn’t just about grids – he’s got a whole bag of artistic tricks up his sleeve. From printmaking to tapestries, Close is the mad scientist of the art laboratory.
8. Francesco I
| Date of Completion | 1982 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 72 inches |
| Location | Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles |
“Francesco I” is Close’s passport to another dimension, a cosmic journey into the soul of his subject. Completed in ’82, it’s like a time-traveling portal where the grid is the spaceship navigating through the galaxy of emotions.
9. John
| Date of Completion | 1971 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 84 inches |
| Location | National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. |
“John” is a gaze frozen in time, a timeless dialogue between subject and canvas. Completed in ’71, it’s like Close caught a moment and said, “Let’s make this eternal!” The grid is like a time capsule, preserving John’s essence for generations to come.
10. Roy II
| Date of Completion | 1994 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 72 inches |
| Location | Whitney Museum of American Art, New York |
“Roy II” is a color explosion on canvas, a visual candy store that beckons you to indulge. Completed in ’94, it’s like Close is saying, “Why stick to black and white when you can have a rainbow?” The grid here is a playground for colors, creating a portrait that’s like a vibrant rainbow in Close’s gallery.
11. Cindy II
| Date of Completion | 1988 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 72 inches |
| Location | Art Institute of Chicago |
“Cindy II” is a gaze into the soul of its subject, a mystery novel waiting to be unraveled. Completed in ’88, it’s like Close is saying, “Let’s dive deep into Cindy’s world!” The grid is like a treasure map, revealing the hidden gems of her persona. Cindy, you’re the detective’s delight in Close’s gallery!
12. Portrait of the Artist Kara Walker
| Date of Completion | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 84 inches |
| Location | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
“Portrait of the Artist Kara Walker” is Close’s salute to another creative genius, a visual conversation between two artistic minds. Completed in 2012, it’s like the grid becomes a bridge, connecting Close and Kara in a dance of colors and patterns.
Artwork Spotlight: James 2004
“James 2004” by Chuck Close is a Titanic painting of his lifetime friend, composer James Levine. Made with Close’s distinctive grid technique, the painting depicts Levine’s appearance with unbelievable accuracy, proving Close’s skills in lifelike portraiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chuck Close mean in art?
Chuck Close is renowned for his avant-garde conceptual portraiture, which shows his subjects as transposed images arranged into grid-like arrangements of visual information. To manage his learning issue, Close turned to art during his early teenage years.
What style of art is Chuck Close known for?
Chuck Close is well-known for his expansive Photorealist portraits. He used a grid technique to build his paintings, with each square on the canvases matching a squared-off cell on a reference picture.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour through Chuck Close’s artistic carnival! Each painting is like a ticket to a different dimension, where grids dance, colors sing, and portraits tell stories. Close, you’re not just an artist – you’re a party planner for the eyes! Now, let’s keep the confetti flying and the colors swirling as we continue our joyous romp through the vibrant landscape of Chuck Close’s imaginative universe.
