Visual Arts Mentor David Humphrey Presents ‘porTraits’ at Fredericks & Freiser

Adjunct Assistant Professor and Mentor David Humphrey, an artist renowned for his introspective approach to painting and his ability to intertwine the personal and psychological with broader social themes, is presenting his latest exhibition, porTraits, at Fredericks & Freiser. Known for his bold and dynamic compositions, Humphrey’s latest series delves deeply into the notion of portraiture and self-representation, raising the question: Are all artworks, in some way, self-portraits of their creators? With porTraits, Humphrey invites viewers to explore this provocative concept through a visual narrative that combines wit, humor, and psychological complexity.

The exhibition’s title itself, a play on the words "portrait" and "traits," hints at the multi-layered ways in which Humphrey considers identity and expression. His works blur the lines between the public and private spheres, combining social influences with eccentric individuality to create imaginative, hybrid forms. This results in paintings that feel at once historically grounded and vibrantly contemporary, engaging with the complex and evolving nature of self-definition in today’s world.

The gallery’s main room is filled with dynamic, figure-driven compositions. Humphrey’s use of a bold, varied palette and distinct painterly styles imbue his works with a sense of spontaneity and humor, as well as a deep psychological inquiry. The figures depicted in these works feel both exaggerated and familiar, with their expressive forms offering a rich visual metaphor for the emergent nature of the self. Humphrey’s ability to infuse his figures with humor while grappling with such profound themes makes the work accessible, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own sense of self within the broader context of relationships and society.

In the back room of the gallery, porTraits takes an even more personal turn. Here, Humphrey’s wife, artist Jennifer Coates, will create a special portrait of Humphrey, using his own drawings, paintings, sculptures, and even music videos as source material. This collaborative portrait within a portrait provides an intimate and revealing layer to the exhibition, offering a glimpse into Humphrey’s personal world and his creative process. It further underscores the theme of self-representation that runs through the show, highlighting how artists often engage with their own identity through the work of others and vice versa.

porTraits marks Humphrey’s seventh solo exhibition with Fredericks & Freiser, following the publication of a 2020 monograph on his work, which includes essays by Wayne Koestenbaum and Lytle Shaw. It can be viewed now through February 8, 2025.