StageBlock is the art studio dedicated to the practice of Arsalan Sattari-Hicks, co-founded with Dr Francesco Pierangeli.
Producing kinetic portraiture rooted in tradition and driven by innovation, the studio works with globally celebrated talents to create its signature Living Portraits, transforming the passive gaze of traditional portraiture into an active exchange between the viewer and the subject bringing the performing arts into the wider art world.
Following a critically acclaimed exhibition at London’s Royal Exchange and prominent private acquisitions, the growing collection features legendary Shakespearean actors including Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Patrick Stewart, and others.
Presented as unique, limited-edition collections, the pieces are housed in bespoke frames designed to sit naturally alongside other works of art. At first glance they appear as fine art photographs, yet gradually reveal a moving presence emerging from the stillness, with each work delivering an exclusive performance at the viewer’s request.
THE LIVING PORTRAIT
These seemingly endless works fuse the timeless appeal of portraiture with the depth and intimacy of performance, in an unprecedented and personal encounter. They reveal their nuances gradually only when lived with for an extended period of time, with thousands of possible still moments. Each includes an embedded exclusive speech curated in collaboration with the actors, and is captured using state-of-the-art cinematography and meticulous post-production.
Alongside its existing and upcoming collections, StageBlock works with selected patrons on private commissions, creating new Living Portraits for individuals, families, institutions, and cultural figures seeking to define the next chapter of portraiture.
SHAKESPEARE PORTRAITS
Bold & visionary” – The Guardian “Uncanny, playful & futuristic” – Artnet
The Shakespeare Portraits (Act. I) captures the presence and spirit of some of the most revered actors of our time.
The two works on display at the exhibition include: Sir Ian McKellen, a defining force of stage and screen and two-time Oscar nominee who has captivated millions. His performance of Jaques’s “All the world’s a stage…”, a role he has never played before, is delivered with devastating, quiet authority.
Sir Patrick Stewart, deliveres what stands as his final filmed Shakespearean performance, with Henry V’s iconic “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…” revealing the humanity of the leader with a quiet, compassionate vow of brotherhood.
The studio will also showcase further works in the collection and from the Dame Judy Dench Series.
For more information, please visit https://www.stageblock.art/ and follow @stageblock.art.
