Embrace: Cinematic Moments by James Seward

Discover the dynamic emotional spectrum of embraces in American film through a collection of nine evocative paintings by James Seward, exhibited together for the first time. Shaped by a childhood filled with movies, Seward explores pivotal moments from cinematic masterpieces like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Godfather, Brokeback Mountain, 12 Years a Slave, Marriage Story, and The Farewell.

Seward’s artworks capture the essence of universal experiences—joy, love, understanding, surrender, loss, betrayal—embodied in the timeless act of a hug. What makes this collection unique is his exploration of these embraces removed from their original context, often resonating with viewers irrespective of their familiarity with the films or characters involved.

Whether marking a welcome or departure, hello or goodbye, each painting beckons viewers to reflect on the nuanced meanings of this universal body language. By bridging the realms of popular American cinema, portraiture, and our own lives, the exhibition invites you to rediscover and reconsider significant moments in film, delving into the intricate layers of human connection depicted in these enduring embraces.

About the Artist
Born in El Paso, Texas, James Seward currently resides and works in Brooklyn, NY. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A., Seward’s artistic journey has been marked by notable achievements. He received the National Scholarship for Portraiture from The American Society of Portrait Artists and earned an honorable mention in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s The NEO Show. One of his paintings was accepted into the first Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. and went on to receive the “People’s Choice Award.” Learn more about the artist’s process.

This exhibition is supported, in part, by Donald and Juliana Rosenfeld.

Exhibitions are made possible by assistance provided by the County of Westchester.