Adrain Chesser
Wolf Fang

Grand Manner

The images from Grand Manner were made in collaboration with the ritualist Timothy White Eagle as part of our ongoing dialogue about the practice of art as a sacred act.

Grand Manner refers to a style of painting popular in the 1700’s that utilized visual metaphor and classical Renaissance stylings to elevate the subject. Also known as swagger portraits, the subjects of these paintings were of the ruling class as well as the nouveau riches of the era, with the intent of establishing their elite status.

By referencing the “grand style” these portraits center those who have historically inhabited the edges of society. Illuminating their nobility of spirit the images portray an outer representation of their otherness while celebrating their humanity.