What is today’s portrait? asks the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. It’s up to artists all over America to answer this question before July 31st when their latest portrait competition closes. No need to necessarily include a face, says the gallery, which invites artists to interpret the genre broadly, though it is necessary that the work be a result of the artist’s direct encounter with that person. I assume part of the intent here is to cut down on the number of celebrity portraits submitted, which only means I’ll be submitting my own stunning photograph of the back of Ed Winkleman’s head to the competition. After all, the first prize winner receives $25,000 and a separate commission to portray a remarkable living American for the Portrait Gallery’s collection, this is not an opportunity to be missed.
