Richard Renaldi - The Nicolaysen Art Museum

Renaldi’s portraits are not objective studies on the sociology
of place or a rigid categorization of a certain subculture. They are
highlysubjectiveandsuggestiveofrealmsofpersonalityimbuedby
their rather stark surroundings. There is a surprising candor about
the portraits as these strangers, enticed by the photographer,
have opened up their lives to us for all sorts of judgments and
emotions: aesthetic pleasure, derision, boredom, fascination,
and quite possibly feeling nothing at all. The tension and persuasive
quality of the images rewards repeat exploring and arises
from being both timeless and of the moment simultaneously.
The performative aspect of portraiture is especially compelling
in Renaldi’s body of work as it is subtle and below the radar.
How much control do his subjects ultimately have in crafting
their impression—they are not professionals, primping and
pouting for an adoring camera. They are like us, going about
mundane routines when someone stops to take a brief interest
in their life. How do you prepare for that moment Renaldi’s
eye and camera captures the infinitesimal gestures and
unconscious body language that transmits so much with so
little. A balled or clenched fist, cocked tilt of head, or steely
gaze all resonate on many levels. It is interesting to note that the
more these portraits are looked at, the more that the clothing
on Renaldi’s subjects tends to morph into costume or armor,
masking what the face and body betray through the intense
shared intimacy. Mass culture has us running around like
maniacs all the time, trying and buying things to be people that
we feel we are entitled to be in the ultimate search for the self.
All choice aspects of culture:clothing,food,andmusicfunnelusintoa
certain subsection and there we stay, striving to be unique within
these anonymous materials and tools. Through the simple act
of being aware, as well as the posing, looking, composition,
and steady focus, Renaldi strips all this boring sameness away to
revealnotlonging,theatre,playactingorwish-fulfillment,butenthralling,
centered souls saying this is how it is with me and inviting us to look
and connect on a deeper, more profound level with each other.
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- Lisa Hatchadoorian, Curator