Bronx-based artists John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres have been fashioning exquisite life-like portraits of their neighbors for over 40 years. At once poignant and majestic, their sculptural portraits are a a visual ode to their community — its resilient spirit and its rich culture. Continuing through this month at The Bronx Museum is their solo exhibition “Swagger and Tenderness…,” featuring 65 sculptural portraits created both individually and collaboratively. What follows is a brief sampling:
John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Janelle and Audrey,” 1983, Acrylic on plaster
John Ahearn, “Joe Conzo at 17,” 2020, Acryic on plaster
Rigoberto Torres, “Daze,” 1998, Acrylic on plaster
John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Mario and Norma,” 1979, Acrylic on plaster
John Ahearn, “Juanita in Stripes Hugging Carlos,” 2020, Acrylic on plaster
Rigoberto Torres, “Melissa Maycock,” 1997, Acrylic on plaster
John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres, “Bintou and Anwar,” 1998, Acrylic on plaster
Co-curated by Amy Rosenblum-Martín and literary activist Ron Kavanaugh, “Swagger and Tenderness…” remains on view at The Bronx Museum until the end of this month. Located at 1040 Grand Concourse, the museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 1 – 6PM. Admission is free.
