By Aaron Beane
Throughout the history of art, representation has been an essential lens through which to better engage with artwork. However, in the context of the West, women, people of color, and other minorities have often been misrepresented or left out of our history of visual imagery. Portraits, Inc. as the foremost leader in portraiture, strives to represent people of all kinds.
It is first important to define diversity. Diversity, according to Meriam-Webster, is "the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc." With this in mind, we can consider the different ways in which diversity and portraiture can not only exist together but thrive. At the heart of all we do, is the drive to celebrate the legacies of all people. We believe that all people live a life of significance. Whether the CEO of a major corporation, an individual experiencing homelessness, or an integral member of a loving and growing family, we are eager to tell your story.
One movement towards diversity that we have seen is the re-evaluation of hiring practices and the surge of corporations and institutions celebrating the past and present legacies of under-recognized people (often the contributions by people of color). We have been able to assist these groups in celebrating the amazing work achieved in the fields of medicine, advocacy, education, and so much more! This initiative is mirrored in our company's goals to represent artists who are a reflection of the people we serve. This means continuing to expand and promote the diversity of the amazing collection of artists we represent.
Many of our artists of color, as well as our other artists, have been chosen over the years to participate in special projects celebrating diversity and the leaders in our world who work for equality for all people. However, promoting diversity is not just about celebrating and representing the top performers in various industries. We are all multi-faceted individuals. Because of this, Portraits, Inc. strives to promote the beauty of each person. We have loved seeing special moments between children and parents, hearing the passion for communities as vibrant as the paints that fill our canvases, and discussing what is meaningful to each sitter that comes before one of our talented artists.
As we move towards the future, Portraits, Inc. will continue to work and learn so that we can grow and diversify the people we represent and serve. The next generations will be able to look at the art we have created and know the stories of people from all backgrounds. They will be able to see themselves in the legacies that were left behind. To create a portrait of who we are, we need to represent all people.
To learn more contact us: call 1.800.476.1223 or e-mail us .
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.