Colin Davidson “Jerusalem Paintings”

Weill Art Gallery/ 92nd Y

This event has ended.

92nd Street Y presents Colin Davidson’s groundbreaking exhibition Jerusalem. Davidson’s Jerusalem exhibition, jointly conceived with gallerist Oliver Sears, has received great acclaim in Europe, and this is the first time it will be on view in the United States. Jerusalem is comprised of 12 large-scale portraits of individuals who live or work in the ancient, mystical, troubled city of Jerusalem. Among them are Jews, Muslims, Christians, a politician, a Benedictine monk, a doctor, a peace activist, a hotel worker, a Holocaust survivor — a cross section that lives together with conflict, prejudice and separation. The theme of common humanity is explored through these paintings. Twelve subjects from across the denominations with differing perspectives. From the well-known (the Mayor, a Nobel prize winner, a founder of a peace movement) to the unknown. The theme of common humanity explored through paintings, what ties them together is that they live or work in Jerusalem.

“In making my series of large-scale head paintings, I have been pre-occupied with the sitter’s status, purely as a human being trying to make sense of the world,” said Davidson. “It is a kind of ‘common humanity’ which links all the paintings. In this exhibition, it is my hope that the individual’s ‘label’ is buried in the paint, offering the opportunity to witness the sitters as fellow human beings. I am deeply honoured to present this work in the United States,” he continued.

“Works of art have always provided pathways to conversation, no matter how challenging,” said Allison Valchuis, 92Y’s Director, Art Center and Exhibitions. “Davidson’s paintings speak directly to the mission of the 92nd Street Y to bring people together from all backgrounds through our common humanity,” she continued.

In addition to the exhibition, Davidson will participate in a Gallery Talk with his collaborator on the project, Dublin gallerist, Oliver Sears, and Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6 pm at 92Y. Discussion topics will include: how the exhibit was conceived, and how art can bring people together. Gallery Talk tickets start at $29 and are available at 92Y.org, 212.415.5500 or at the box office.

“Colin Davidson’s powerful portraits remind us of the bonds of humanity – something we need more than ever at this critical time of conflict in the world,” said Rabbi Rubinstein.

Colin Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since 2010 his focus has been on painting grand scale portraits, which have won widespread recognition and many international awards. His portrait subjects have included Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, Ed Sheeran, Liam Neeson, Brad Pitt and Angela Merkel - a likeness commissioned by TIME Magazine. He was recently commissioned to paint an official portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, which was unveiled by the subject herself in 2016. His work is held in many public and corporate collections worldwide, including the National Portrait Gallery (London), the Ulster Museum (Belfast), the National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin), the Standard Chartered Bank of Asia, and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery (Washington DC).