Portrait & Power

1 November 2025 - 30 May 2026

Gregynog Gallery

Think you understand portraits? Think again.  

This exhibition invites you to look — and look again.  

Portrait & Power focuses on those that have often been left out of history, exploring how identity, the way we look at others, and power all come together in portraiture. Using both old and new artworks, the exhibition invites us to rethink traditional roles, challenge how portraits are usually made, and explore how they reflect — or change — the stories we tell about gender, race, class, and belonging.

As you visit the exhibition, prepare to look at portraits in new ways, and to ask new questions:

Who has the power here?

What does it mean to be seen — or not seen?

What role do you play when you look at a portrait?

Exhibition highlights include works that have only recently been added to the collection by artists such as Anya Paintsil, Sue Williams and Isobel Adonis, along with works by artists such as Gwen John, Shani Rhys James and Claudia Williams. 

Discover a whole new way to enjoy the exhibition with our engaging audio tour, featuring vivid audio descriptions of key works—perfect for bringing the art to life.

Please be aware that the exhibition contains images or themes which some people may find offensive or disturbing.