Looking back at you… at the Massachusetts State House draws inspiration from the longstanding tradition of portraiture, notably highlighted by the permanent installation of Abigail Adams' portrait in the Senate Lobby. This exhibition juxtaposes this classical representation with modern interpretations by contemporary artists, thereby enriching the dialogue surrounding identity and representation and their political significance.

The exhibition emphasizes the importance of who is represented in art. Here, portraits of individuals from communities of color are highlighted to reflect the Commonwealth's diversity and as a means of counterbalancing what is less visible in the artwork gracing the State House's walls. The portraits remind us that the global majority is watching and actively engaging in the political landscape that shapes their lives.

Spanning drawing, painting, and photography, the works in Looking back at you… are hung amongst the State House's permanent installation of gilded mirrors, inviting reflection—literally and metaphorically. The mirrors enhance the exhibition's title, which challenges viewers to look within themselves as they contemplate their role in creating the future they want to see.

Essex Art Center is grateful to Senator Payano and his team for the opportunity to present work that highlights artists and portraits of people with deep connections to the First Essex district, including Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Kate Delaney is an illustrator and muralist who has made art around the world. She has spent most of her adult life in Lawrence, and her creative work can be seen throughout the city, notably with a large-scale mural that will grace the facade of Essex Art Center's building this summer. @katedelaney

Eric Allshouse was a Lawrence High School art teacher for 15 years and ran Essex Art Center's summer mural program for a number of years, creating 14 public artworks throughout the city with the help of young people from the community. @ericallshouse

Adrianna De la Rosa is a Dominican-American artist raised in the Dominican Republic and Lawrence. Her work explores identity and upbringing through vibrant, juxtaposed visuals. She is currently double majoring in Fine Arts and Design, with minors in Advertising and UX/UI Design at the University of San Francisco. @some1s_sketchbook

Gwendolyn Lanier grew up coming to Essex Art Center and now works as the Center’s Ceramics Studio Manager. Her artwork often explores the figure and our human connection to the spiritual realm. @glanier_artist

Erick Maldonado is a Dominican-American artist who primarily works with acrylic, oil, and mixed media and explores themes of family, Black gay culture, interpersonal relationships, and Dominican folklore. @erickrmaldonado

Zeedrah Morezguiland is a 15-year-old artist from Lawrence. Through

her participation in Essex Art Center’s programs, she has been involved in several public art projects throughout the city. She says, “Art has always been something I am passionate about, and I am excited to see where it will lead me.”

Kat Almonte and Mahli Rivera are collaborators and founders of Grainy Daze Studios in Lawrence. Together, they use film and digital photography to capture authentic images of people from the community. @grainydazestudios