Thomas Block

"Human Rights Painting Project," oil paintings and charcoal drawings

The Human Rights Painting Project, in conjunction with Amnesty International, highlights the struggle for human rights the world over - and the important work that Amnesty International does in working towards this goal. Using a contemporary artistic voice, I interpret paint portraits of different persons involved in the struggle for human rights, emphasizing individuals that bring it to life. Biographies of each person featured accompany the paintings. Ultimately, the paintings bring together man's best and worst impulses - the heroes of the images are a counterpoint to the authorities that forced them into that role. We are left with the uncomfortable question of which group is more typical of our human race and which the exception.