Expanding the portrait: painting, storytelling, and video

The Pink Armchair Portraits is an evolving series that explores portraiture, conversation, and community. During his residency at Project 14C in the spring of 2026, artist Ben Fine partnered with journalist Tris McCall, seeking to expand the project beyond painted portraiture by incorporating the voices and stories of each participant. Together, they interviewed and painted sitters simultaneously, documenting the process on video.

Watch Trailer

The Pink Armchair Portraits is supported in part by a 2026 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and a 2026 grant from Jersey City Arts & Culture.

Pink Armchair Guests:

ALVIN HALL

Financial Educator and Author

Ben Fine "ALVIN HALL", acrylic on canvas, 26" x 26", 2026

Author, broadcaster, and art collector Alvin Hall took a seat in The Pink Armchair Portraits to share memories of his childhood, discuss the lasting emotional impacts of gospel music, and reflect on a life lived with curiosity, purpose, and a focus on the future.

Watch Alvin Hall Interview

History of the Pink Armchair

The Original Series

The original Pink Armchair Portrait series was exhibited in Washington, D.C. in 2023


Olivia Neel

A chance to paint Alice Neel’s grandaughter

Portable Armchair

A grant to deconstruct the armchair to travel