The history of human rights and civil liberties are an issue very close to my heart. The stories of these who gave their labors and often their lives for this cause are compelling. As a visual artist and maker, I only have the visual medium with which to chronicle their lives and their stories.

The choice of a contemporary medium (Acrylic and Mixed Medium) on a traditional substrate (Canvas) is intentional. The source material for many of these is of necessity photography, much of it black and white; for much of my life they had been frozen in the amber of history books. I choose to execute these portraits in a contemporary style utilizing vibrant color and bravura brushwork to bring their stories into the present.

These heroes are a shining example of what dedicated, determined individuals can achieve when their vision is clear, their goals just and their courage undaunted.

The historical lessons they teach us is critical for the continued evolution of the human experiment. My fervent hope is that these portraits form a bridge of understanding between all people of all persuasions, so that freedom, opportunity, respect and dignity can be assured for everyone, everywhere.

Mark Daehlin, 2025