How do you recognize a musician when they’re not performing? Stripped of instruments, stage presence, and the carefully curated image presented in album art and music videos, what remains? Photographer and designer Alexa Viscius explores this question in “Portraits of People Who Make Music,” currently on view at Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago. The exhibition, comprised of intimate portraits, challenges viewers to see beyond the performance and connect with the individuals behind the music.
Viscius, a Chicago-based artist who operates a studio in Wicker Park, has become a notable figure in documenting the contemporary alternative music scene. Her perform has graced press releases, streaming profiles, and album covers, subtly shaping the visual landscape of independent music. The exhibition features ten artists, including Chicago-via-Madison indie rockers Slow Pulp, the acclaimed duo Whitney, local favorites Horsegirl, and singer-songwriter Cameron Winter, offering a concentrated look at a vibrant segment of the music world.
What sets Viscius’ work apart is its deliberate quietude. Unlike the bombast of a concert photograph, these portraits are often placeless and understated. They eschew the visual cues typically associated with musicians, forcing a focus on the individual rather than the persona. The images invite viewers to consider these artists as people first, musicians second, and to appreciate the moments of stillness and vulnerability that exist outside the spotlight. This approach to portraiture offers a refreshing perspective on those who create the soundtracks to our lives.
A striking example of this approach is Viscius’ portrait of Slow Pulp. Singer-guitarist Emily Massey is pictured with her bandmates, casually sipping from a garden hose in an unremarkable backyard. Although not a performance shot, the composition subtly echoes a stage setup, with Massey positioned as if leaning into a microphone. The light, seemingly by chance, highlights her, hinting at the inherent performance even in a moment of repose. This interplay between the ordinary and the performative is a recurring theme throughout the exhibition.
Similarly, Horsegirl is captured mid-skip on a grassy hill, a snapshot of youthful exuberance that encapsulates the joy of collaborative music-making. The image hints at the band’s art-rock sensibilities, but ultimately prioritizes a sense of carefree connection. In contrast, the portrait of Geese frontman Cameron Winter is more solitary. Shot in the shadows beneath Rockefeller Chapel before a sold-out performance, Winter stares past the lens, his expression pensive and introspective. The stark lighting and isolated setting emphasize the weight of performance and the internal world of the artist.
Intimacy and Access in Viscius’ Work
Viscius’ photographs are characterized by a remarkable intimacy, suggesting a level of access to her subjects that allows for unguarded moments to be captured. The lens, she implies, can be as revealing as a spotlight, offering a glimpse into the lives of these musicians beyond their public personas. The portrait of Winter, in particular, exemplifies this approach. The sterile overhead light illuminates only what Winter himself offers, creating a sense of vulnerability and authenticity.
The exhibition also subtly acknowledges the photographer’s role in shaping the visual identity of these artists. Many of the images have already circulated as promotional material, contributing to the way these musicians are perceived by their audiences. Viscius’ work, is not simply a documentation of a scene, but an active participant in its creation.
What to Expect at Epiphany Center for the Arts
“Alexa Viscius: Portraits of People Who Make Music” is on view at Epiphany Center for the Arts, located at 201 South Ashland in Chicago, through April 25. The exhibition offers a compelling opportunity to see these artists in a new light, stripped of the trappings of performance and presented as individuals with depth and complexity. It’s a show for music lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the human stories behind the art.
As Viscius continues to document the evolving landscape of independent music, her work promises to offer further insights into the lives and creative processes of the artists who shape our cultural experiences. The exhibition at Epiphany Center for the Arts is a testament to her talent and a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of art, music, and identity.
What are your thoughts on the role of portraiture in shaping our perception of musicians? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!
