JaFang Lu

JaFang will utilize realistic portrait painting to complete a series (15-20) of lifesized portraitures in black and white (using oil paint and/or charcoal) of Philadelphia residents from different ethnic backgrounds. The portraits will be done from life. When the portraits are completed, they will be framed and exhibited together publicly. The participants, their friends, families and the general public will be invited to attend. By presenting these portraits, the residents in the community will interact with people outside of their own ethnic group and see the physical differences that exist in themselves and others as a cause for acceptance and celebration, not alienation and antagonism. Once the project is completed, the participants will be able to keep the portraits of themselves as a reminder of their experience with the project.