2009 Artist in Residence

2009 Harman-Eisner Artist in Residence
Chuck Close

Chuck Close is renowned for his highly inventive techniques of painting the human face, and is best known for his large-scale, photo-based portrait paintings. In 1988, Close was paralyzed following a rare spinal artery collapse; he continues to paint using a brush-holding device strapped to his wrist and forearm. His practice extends beyond painting to encompass printmaking, photography, and, more recently, tapestries based on Polaroids. In 2000, Close was presented with the National Medal of Arts by President Clinton. He has also won the New York State Governor’s Art Award and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was appointed by President Obama to serve on The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.