Carnegie acquires photographic 'Self-Portrait' of Chuck Close

Chuck Close 'Self-Portrait' (1999), printed in 2001 Digital, ink-jet print mounted on aluminum

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The Carnegie Museum of Art has acquired a photographic self-portrait by American artist Chuck Close, the first purchase from its new Irving and Aaronel de Roy Gruber Fund for Photography.

"Self-Portrait" (1999) is a four-part, digital, ink-jet print mounted on aluminum, measuring 88 x 68 inches (224 x 173 cm). The photograph is a gift from the Gruber's children and grandchildren in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Known for his large-scale, painted portraits of friends and family, Close has used photographs as a source for his paintings for more than 25 years.

"This photograph by Chuck Close is an important addition to the museum's collection," Richard Armstrong, the museum's Henry J. Heinz II director, said in a statement.

	RESOURCES
ART MUSEUM SITES: international u.s. cities: a-h u.s. cities: i-q u.s. cities: r-z

The Carnegie purchased more than 40 historical prints exhibited in the 1997 exhibition "Pittsburgh Revealed." An exhibition of W. Eugene Smith's 1955-1958 Pittsburgh photographs is to open at the museum in November 2001, before going on tour.

The new endowment fund will allow the museum to expand its acquisition plans for photographs made since 1945.

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Carnegie Museum Of Art
Artcyclopedia: Chuck Close

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