In a world where division seems to be the loudest voice, artist Es Devlin offers a quiet yet powerful rebellion through her latest installation, 'A National Portrait for the National Portrait Gallery'. This project, a collaborative effort with Google Arts & Culture Lab, aims to unite a splintering nation by creating a collective portrait of Britain, one selfie at a time.
The concept is simple yet profound: thousands of ordinary faces, transformed into Devlin's signature smoky charcoal-and-chalk style, merge and drift, creating a living, evolving portrait. It's an intimate experience, almost like catching glimpses of strangers in a crowd, yet it holds a deeper message.
The Power of Coexistence
Devlin's hope is that by taking a moment to exist together, silently and non-verbally, we can accept our differences and find common ground. She emphasizes, "I'm not trying to erase our differences, but to show that coexistence is possible." This is a powerful statement in a time when political fury and algorithmic distractions threaten to tear us apart.
The installation's imperfections add to its charm. Faces merge and separate, sometimes awkwardly, reflecting the reality of our diverse society. Devlin sees this as a truthful representation of our boundaries and a reminder that accepting imperfections is a step towards accepting each other.
The Artist's Shadow and Resistance
Interestingly, this project sits at the intersection of art and technology, raising questions about the use of artistic work to train AI systems. Devlin acknowledges that her 'shadow', and those of many other artists, are being utilized by technology companies, but her intention is one of reclamation.
"I want to dance with my own shadow," she says, referencing Wendy's resistance in Peter Pan. Devlin aims to reappropriate technologies that are often used to divide and distract us, turning them into tools for unity and reflection.
Analogue in Spirit
In a world dominated by digital distractions, Devlin's response is refreshingly analogue. She speaks of the importance of attention and the rare experience of sitting quietly with another, truly seeing and being seen. It's a call to resist the age of destruction and fragmentation, and to reimagine national identity as a dynamic, ever-changing process.
Opening Doors and Breaking Barriers
The project also aims to make art more accessible. Devlin plans to take the collective portrait and drawing workshops beyond the gallery walls, into town halls, libraries, and schools. She wants to offer drawing as a means of self-expression and a way to feel seen and understood, without judgment.
One of the first contributors, Ravinder Tagarh, a security guard at the gallery, shared how the experience moved him. Seeing his portrait among royalty and celebrities made him feel part of the country, no longer an outsider. It gave him a moment of hope, a feeling of belonging.
A Moment of Reflection
Es Devlin's installation is more than just a collection of faces. It's a powerful statement about the potential for unity in a divided world. It invites us to consider the impact of our differences and the importance of coexistence. As Devlin puts it, "We can all coexist." A simple yet profound message, delivered through art.
