United Kingdom 2012-21

200 Faces is an exhibition of 200 portrait photographs by 191 photographers

The exhibition is testimony to the ever-present, dynamic and enthralling genre of portrait photography as captured by an exciting group of contemporary image-makers in all stages of their careers. These photographers, from all around the world, exemplify the diversity of portrait photography, from the environment in which the subjects sit, to the expressions and emotions, uniforms and props that build the information in the image.

Every portrait photograph reveals more than just the character and appearance of the sitter. When we look at a portrait we also see something of the photographer and something of ourselves. No photograph of another person is capable of revealing a whole and complete being, no matter how much we believe this to be true. Every time we look at a photograph of another person we are aware, however slightly, of the photographer selecting that image from countless other sights, as such that photo embodies their way of seeing. As viewers, we also bring to this relationship between photographer and subject our own perception, our own way of seeing, which is entirely affected by what we know and what we believe.

When we look at a portrait photograph we see a reflection of these perspectives, and the interaction between these ways of seeing. This is part of the enduring fascination with the photographic portrait.