An exhibition of self-portraits by Pierre Daura, namesake of the University of Lynchburg’s Daura Museum of Art, opened today in the Daura’s Gallery II. The exhibition, “Pierre Daura: Self-Portraits,” is composed of work from the University’s permanent collection.
The exhibition is free, open to the public, and will run through Saturday, April 20.
“Pierre Daura: Self-Portraits” includes more than 20 paintings by Daura, a Catalan artist who chaired Lynchburg’s art department from 1945-46. The works are arranged chronologically.
“From his earliest years, Pierre Daura made use of quick sketches to capture likeness and fleeting emotions,” an introduction to the exhibit reads in part. “Daura’s wife, Louise Blair Daura, saw his self-portraits as psychological visualizations of his inner life and the best way to understand his state of being at any particular moment.
“The intensity of his stare never falters as he goes from an inquisitive youth to an introspective adult, and finally to the drooping lids of old age. Daura’s art and life were inseparable, and this relationship is fundamental to the exhibition.”
An opening reception for “Pierre Daura: Self-Portraits” will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. It will be followed at 7 p.m. with “Between Likeness and Essence,” a lecture by Allen TenBusschen, chair of Lynchburg’s art department. Both events are free and open to the public.
“This lecture will be on how the portrait can transcend likeness to reveal authenticity, about either the sitter, the artist, or even the audience,” TenBusschen, a portrait painter, writes in a description of his talk.
“Using a variety of portraits throughout history, both traditional and conceptual, we will open a dialogue about how we truly perceive one another. Artworks will be shown to emphasize the expansive nature of portraiture and illustrate the breadth of the topic.
“Utilizing my experience … I will share my insights into the process of portraiture and delve into the ideologies surrounding the portrait.”
During the academic year, the Daura Museum of Art is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free. The museum is closed on holidays and University breaks.
For more information or appointments, email dauramuseum@lynchburg.edu or call 434.544.8595.
