A portrait is more than a likeness. It captures a moment in time, a person, a presence, before it changes. Through the act of looking, a portrait preserves a fragment of someone’s existence and, in doing so, gives them a sense of permanence.

Facing Now brings together work by international artists Brenda Zlamany, Wilfrid Wood, Viv le Vav, Mitra Tabrizian, Phoebe Stewart Crater, Iness Ryclik, Shamica Ruddock, Martyn Harris, Curtis Holder, Derrick Guild, Jason Butler and Aras Amiri. Each artist approaches portraiture in a different way, exploring how identity is reflected, distorted and redefined in an age of heightened self-awareness and constant image-making.

The exhibition looks beyond simple likeness to explore the portrait as a space for encounter, collaboration and interpretation. It asks who gets to be represented, who remains unseen, and how artists today are bringing attention to lives and identities that have historically been overlooked.

The relationship between artist and sitter is central to this process. Looking, trust, performance and presence all become part of the work, while the materials and techniques chosen by each artist help to shape its meaning and message.

At the heart of Facing Now is the inaugural ArtHouse Jersey Portrait Award, celebrating portrait works by artists from Jersey and across the Channel Islands.

The exhibition will showcase the works shortlisted for the award, with the winner and two runners-up announced on the opening night of Facing Now.

EXPLORE AND BOOK FACING NOW EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS.

Exhibition free entry, no booking necessary. Closed Mondays.