As I see You!

Zaha Hadid b. 1950

By Michael Craig-Martin 2008

LCD monitor/computer with integrated software.

National Portrait Gallery

London

"Founded in 1856, the aim of the National Portrait Gallery, London is to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture, and... to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media." 

The National Portrait Gallery is quite a treat, an enjoyable adventure into the soul of creators. The once that has their portrait here has most certainly created a world interesting subjects outside.

The peculiarly wonderful about portraits are that the photographer/painter... is not doing a work of its own imagination but more pulling out the essence of the person its portraying. Having once portrait made, must be horrifying in its truthfulness but also tempting with its honor of longevity.

The Iranian born (lives in London) Zaha Hadid is the most successful female Architect in the history.

Her portrait is undoubtedly special and a departure from the traditional portrait, with the computer image constantly changing color configurations and therefore creates an endlessly changing picture.

Harold Pinter 1930-2008

By Justin Mortimer

oil on canvas

Having studied acting you have to at one point fall in love with Harold Pinter's knack of words and sentences. Sharp dialogues, comical but complex and serious as well. My favorite play of his is "The Lover". Enjoying the simplicity of this portrait, with mountains of scripts, it sort of plays with the brilliant mind and the landscape of meaning he has left behind. The red - well passion of course!

Sir Paul Smith b. 1946

by James Lloyd

oil on canvas

Every mans favorite designer? At least my husbands, who makes greater suits than Paul Smith?

Great cut, great patterns and fabulous details.

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Tracy Emin b. 1963

By David Bailey

The most talked about British Artist these days, I can't wait to have an opportunity to go to a solo exhibit of hers - it is bound to be... progressive.

Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997)

By Bryan Organ

You can't represent the portrait gallery without a dip into the Royals. Britain is a Monarchy after all... which will not be forgotten this spring....There are parties lined up even in our street already!

Queen Elizabeth b. 1926

By Andy Warhol

"Long... live the Queen"

Stanley Kubrick 1928-1999

by Dmitri Kasterine

Mr. Kubrick one of the most brilliant film makers of our time and was probably the worst one to work for? His films are so incredibly detailed and thought through, I will have to give him a deep royal curtsy. Think of "A Clockwork Orange, 2001: A space Odyssey and Eyes wide Shut (yes, I actually enjoyed that one a lot...).

Francis Bacon 1909-1992

By Dmitri Kasterine

The Dubliner who became one of the most famous British painters and should I say characters of British history last century. He has definitely made his presence and his work deserves the credit given.

Mary McCartney

Self Portrait

Do not forget Stella's older sister Mary a successful photographer, artist and a great campaigner for Breast Cancer awareness after their mother Linda's death.

At the end of your stay at the Portrait Gallery, don't forget to have a glass of Champagne at the restaurant on the top... it has stunning views.

With Love 

Kristin