Richard McWhannell / 5 - 27 July 2007

Artist's statement:

This exhibition will consist entirely of portraits. These are not commissioned pictures. The subjects are mostly people I've known for some time, and who have expressed an interest in sitting for me. In most cases they are paid by the hour. Typically the subjects are young women, who have an interest in the process and being 'portrayed' at this time in their lives.
The double portraits continue a theme I've worked on for some time. In the past they have often featured Donogh (my wife) and me. The couch on which these current portraits take place has been made available by Jane Callaghan for the purpose. My thanks to her for that and indeed to all the subjects who engage themselves in the process and keep me company while I work. They see me go through all sorts of emotions, perform bizarre gestures and contorted expressions and hardly ever laugh (at me)!
They see that it can be difficult pleasure.
Music usually accompanies the sittings, that or taped readings. The wireless is not so conducive. Coffee and cakes is, and in most cases considered to be the starting point.
Silence is not compulsory. But hyper activity is discouraged. Cezanne told his people they should be as an apple. I try and keep fruit out of it.

- Richard McWhannell, 2007