In a striking pivot from her Hollywood career, actress Kate Capshaw has found her true calling behind a paintbrush, transforming overlooked lives into powerful portraits that demand attention, per news.artnet.com. Her latest exhibition, “Exclusive Tonsorial Services” at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, showcases a compelling narrative of resilience through the portrait of local barber Sergei “Sir.J” Grant.
Capshaw, best known for her roles in Indiana Jones and The Love Letter, has been quietly revolutionizing portraiture since 2016, focusing her artistic lens on marginalized communities. Her 64″x54″ oil painting of Grant is more than just a portrait—it’s a testament to human transformation and community impact.
Grant’s journey from homelessness to becoming a community mentor is captured with remarkable sensitivity. The painting depicts him seated in a brown leather chair, wearing a white smock embroidered with scissors, his exuberant smile radiating hope and determination.
The exhibition goes beyond traditional portraiture, incorporating a series of photo booth images showing local children receiving free back-to-school haircuts—a powerful visual representation of Grant’s community work. Capshaw deliberately creates large-scale portraits that command space and respect, challenging viewers to recognize the dignity of those often overlooked.
A late-blooming artist who didn’t start painting classes until her mid-50s, Capshaw brings her actor’s empathy to her art. Her previous series “Unaccompanied” featured portraits of homeless youth and has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
“Exclusive Tonsorial Services” runs until January 19, 2025.
- Featured image: Kate Capshaw with her series “Unaccompanied.” Photo courtesy of the artist
