Betty Selvage and Faith Speights 2012

Dawoud Bey made these gelatin silver prints of Betty Selvage and Faith Speights. The diptych composition is split into two portrait images, each carefully framed to create a balanced, symmetrical effect. The tonal range of the black and white emphasizes textures, from the fine lines of Betty’s tailored jacket to the subtle sheen of Faith’s blouse. The subjects' poses mirror each other, which is accentuated by the identical chairs they occupy. This use of repetition creates a visual rhyme that encourages a comparative reading of the sitters. Bey’s formal approach invites us to consider the interplay between individual identity and social role. The backdrop of a blurred landscape painting adds depth without distracting from the subjects. The choice of black and white emphasizes the timelessness of the portrait. This is further enhanced by the meticulous composition, drawing attention to the details of posture and dress, imbuing the figures with dignity and presence. The framing of each print completes the visual structure of the artwork, inviting a deeper reflection on representation, identity and the art of portraiture.