Brent Holland

Portraiture and especially self-portraits have become the focus of the art generated by Brent Holland. Painting from life and the importance of observation as a way to explore the psychology of humanity comes vibrantly to life on his canvas or paper. There is an extreme intensity in the faces of his figures, which are often his own face, and tautness of expression that reinforces that there is some sort of expansive emotion just under the surface, in the mind of the sitter. Observation has allowed Holland to explore his own personal issues, but also to allow his artistic “eye” to see how the inner psychological world can be imprinted upon the exterior of the human form. His paintings and drawings make the viewer pause at the intensity and react viscerally to the expression found on the faces in the depiction, searching their own minds for moments when they too felt the psychological emotions on view in the work of art. Holland has a B.F.A. in drawing from Missouri State University and an M.F.A from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is an Associate Professor in the College of Design at Iowa State University, where he teaches all levels of students to observe and gain the technical skills needed to be a successful artist. His art has been exhibited throughout the United States and as a young artist working and living in Iowa, he is part of a new generation that is moving forward in exploring life in the 21st century through their art. Holland has great technical skill and combined with his ability to observe such great detail, he is examining his understanding of modern life and the world around him.