Isherwood, Christopher 08-31-79 1979

Curator: Here we see Don Bachardy's portrait of Christopher Isherwood, created on August 31st, 1979. Editor: It's striking how stark and immediate the image is; there's such a directness in the gaze, almost confrontational. Curator: Absolutely. Look at the swift, confident strokes. Bachardy's process seems incredibly efficient, yet he captures so much of Isherwood's aging face. I'm curious about the paper he used; it appears quite thin, allowing the ink to bleed slightly. Editor: Notice also how Isherwood's distinctive collar creates a graphic pattern, almost like bars—does it suggest a kind of imprisonment, or limitation of the self? Curator: Perhaps, or it is a symbol of the constraints of societal expectations and the literary circles Isherwood navigated? It certainly draws attention to the neck, a vulnerable point. Editor: It's fascinating how Bachardy employs these visual cues to hint at deeper psychological themes. Curator: For me, it is the materiality of the portrait, which highlights the relationship between artist and subject. The visible labor reminds us of their shared history. Editor: A somber reflection on the writer in his later years. Curator: Yes, a very moving document of their time.