Jason Polan set out to draw every person in New York, transforming a simple artistic dare into a sprawling civic portrait. His project captures the city’s rhythm, diversity, and scale in a way that feels intimate and monumental at once.
By combining obsessive documentation with approachable storytelling, Polan invites readers to rethink a familiar skyline through the faces that live inside it. The following sections organize key details, techniques, and questions about this ambitious portrait practice.
| Artist | Project Name | Method | Output | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Polan | Every Person in New York | Portrait drawings, on-site interaction, mapping | Hundreds of portraits, digital archive, prints | Completed, documented, cataloged |
| Medium | Graphite on paper | Pencil, time-limited sessions, consent-based | Physical sketches, scans, reference notes | Archived and exhibited |
| Scope | New York City residents and visitors | Approach in public spaces, brief engagement | Series-based portraits, location metadata | Ongoing analysis, public access |
The Vision Behind Every Person in New York
Jason Polan framed the project as a structured yet humane experiment in visibility. He committed to drawing people encountered in everyday settings, from subway platforms to neighborhood parks.
Artistic Intent and Scale
The goal was not only quantity but connection, using drawing as a tool for attentive listening. Each brief encounter became a small record of presence inside a vast urban landscape.
Methodology and Field Practice
The process combined portable materials, quick setups, and respectful interaction. Polan relied on a repeatable routine that prioritized clarity, consent, and efficiency.
On-Site Workflow
From initial greeting to final signature, each session followed a clear sequence. The resulting portraits balanced likeness, gesture, and minimal detail that still communicated character.
Documentation and Archiving
Beyond the drawings, systematic notes linked each portrait to date, location, and brief context. This layer of information supports research, exhibitions, and digital exploration.
Data Structure and Access
Consistent labeling, timestamps, and geotags make it possible to trace patterns across the city. The archive functions as both artistic output and public resource.
Exhibition and Public Reception
Selected portraits were shown in galleries, talks, and online platforms, turning the series into a shared visual narrative. Audiences responded to the blend of ordinary faces and extraordinary dedication.
Critical Perspectives
Reviewers highlighted how the project humanized density, emphasizing patience and curiosity over spectacle. The work invites viewers to reconsider who is seen in urban storytelling.
Perspectives on Urban Representation
The project reframes how a global city is seen, shifting focus from landmarks to the people who animate its streets.
- Commitment to seeing and drawing diverse individuals in everyday environments
- Use of structured methods to maintain consistency across a large series
- Strong documentation linking portraits to time, place, and context
- Public exhibitions that center human presence over spectacle
- Long-term archival value for researchers, artists, and communities
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Jason Polan approach strangers for a portrait?
He introduced himself, explained the project, asked for permission, and outlined the brief process, ensuring comfort and clarity before drawing.
What tools and materials did he use in the field?
Graphite pencils, sketchbooks, a small light meter, and reference cards helped maintain consistent quality in varied lighting conditions.
How long did it typically take to complete each portrait?
Most sessions lasted between five and fifteen minutes, balancing speed with the need for meaningful expression and accuracy.
What happens to the portraits after they are drawn?
They are scanned, cataloged with metadata, exhibited, and shared publicly, preserving a detailed record of encounters across New York.