President Bill Clinton 2006

"President Bill Clinton" is a 2006 portrait by Chuck Close, known for his distinct gridded style. This large-scale oil painting depicts former president Bill Clinton in a close-up, constructed of hundreds of small, colored squares. Close's unique approach challenges viewers to perceive the subject's features through a fragmented yet unified composition. Close’s gridded approach to portraiture is a signature aspect of his artistic practice, often used in his larger-than-life portraits of contemporary figures. This work reflects Close’s interest in exploring the human face and the process of perception, prompting viewers to engage in a closer look at the individual elements that make up the whole.