A community-rooted portrait project by Michelle Major
It's about you! It's about us! I am creating a new body of multimedia portraits inspired by the power of people I’ve met or otherwise crossed paths with who are processing, reflecting, and imagining within this extraordinary moment in history. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to take part.
I am inspired by abolitionists like Mariame Kaba and adrienne maree brown; and by artists like Elizabeth Catlett, Kehinde Wiley, Bisa Butler, and Juliette Belmonte.
Catlett, Wiley, and Butler remind me that art, and portraiture in particular, can be a site of liberation, re-imagining and power. while Kaba and brown teach that it's as a collective that our true power lies. Belmonte’s deeply personal and richly layered collage portraits inspire me to honor not just the likeness but the spirit of each person.
My artistic voice as expressed in portraiture looks and feels like what you see here. The portraits I create in this project will explore how we individually and collectively hold both the gravity of this moment and the radical imagination required to envision what comes next. My vision is to ultimately share my artwork inspired by your photos (not your photos themselves) in public exhibitions and presentations; and ultimately offer them for purchase.
I can't, won't, and don't want to do this without you! Would you consider being part of this project? I humbly invite you to submit a photo of yourself that simply captures a moment that feels true to who you are right now. Professional photos not expected and selfies or other candid shots are great. That said, any photo is welcome!
If you’re taking a shot from scratch, here are some elements for consideration (consider these optional tips—but they do tend to elevate your photo!):
Lighting: Photos where part your face is illuminated and part is in a bit of shadow look really awesome!
I want to see your eyes: I love painting eyes--it's ideal if yours are visible and unobstructed (glasses are fine, but sunglasses not so much).
Where should I look? No pressure to look directly at the camera, though it's cool if you do. That said, candid angles or looking away from the camera can carry some depth.
Most of all, choose a photo that feels meaningful to you -- perhaps one that reflects you reflecting, demonstrating your power, grounding in nature, creating, or simply being.
Along with your photo, you’re welcome to share a short reflection (1–3 sentences): What keeps you going? What do you hope for? What are you processing in this moment? Your words may inspire part of the portrait itself, whether layered into the paint or simply there in spirit.
Everyone who submits will receive a free 5×7" print of one of my past works (seen here), as thanks for their participation.
Everyone who submits will also receive invitations to exhibition openings and community gatherings where the portraits may be displayed.
In addition: if your image is selected to be created as a portrait for this series, you will receive an additional 8×10" print of your finished portrait once it’s complete.
I know it’s a vulnerable act to share your likeness. Here’s what I promise:
Encrypted: Your submission and image will be transmitted and stored in an encrypted repository.
Limited Use: Your image will only be used for this project, with your consent.
Choice: You decide whether to be publicly named, anonymous, or somewhere in between.
Updates: I’ll keep you informed as your portrait develops and where it will be shown.
Relationship: For participants I’m considering for portraits, I may reach out for a short phone or Zoom conversation. This project is about connection as much as creation.
Transparency: I’ll be clear about what happens with the art and how it’s exhibited.
Privacy: Your contact information and mailing address will be used only for communication and to produce and ship your print in collaboration with my professional print partners. Your info will never be sold or used for other purposes.
There’s a saying in the business world: “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” In other words, you can design the best strategy imaginable — but if the culture isn’t ready to embrace it, it will never take hold. We need both: strategy and a culture built to make that strategy real.
So what does that have to do with this project?
The arts change culture — through us, and through the emotions we feel as we experience art. Culture change is urgently needed right now, and that includes building and fortifying community. This project is a contribution I can make toward that — using my artistic voice, together with you.
I believe that while we’re strategizing how to build a better world, we also need space to process what’s happening and imagine what we want to come next. And in that processing and imagining we are changing ourselves and our culture.
Portraits of Liberation, Transformation, & Imagination focuses on the faces of people in my broad community. It’s my way of offering collective documentation, reflection, and re-imagining during this time — in hopes that it helps us not only survive this moment, but also build what’s next.
GREAT! I can’t wait to partner with you!
Click this link or the image to submit your photo, preferences, and any reflections you may have: Portraits of Liberation & Imagination.
For questions, contact me at studio@michellemajorart.com
Thank you so much for being part of this project!
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This means you can use the camera on your phone or tablet and superimpose any piece of art onto a wall inside of your home or business.
To use this feature, Just look for the "Live Preview AR" button when viewing any piece of art on this website!
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