In a singular, dedicated collection, The Judi Dench Portraits capture the authentic presence of one of the most definitive cultural figures of our time. What began as a brief scheduled sitting in the privacy of her home evolved into an extraordinary day-long collaboration, fueled by a rare and immediate trust. The result is a suite of five distinct living portraits that re-engineer the relationship between the viewer and this most stunning sitter.

These seemingly endless video works embody the alchemy of that day. Moving beyond the character-driven narratives of stage and screen, the camera lingers where the audience usually cannot, revealing the subconscious tremors of the face and the fleeting thoughts that pass unseen in real-time. Whether contemplating radical silence or delivering texts chosen specifically for this exchange, the work reveals the vulnerability, playfulness, and enduring power of the woman behind the legend.

Captured in single takes using state-of-the-art cinematography, the portraits are meticulously refined through post-production to preserve the magic of the encounter. Each edition is authenticated on-chain, encased in custom-built sculptural frames, and designed to sit seamlessly among traditional artworks in public and private collections.

This series marks a pivotal moment in Arsalan’s practice and StageBlock’s work. It is not just a study, but a permanent, museum-grade record of a living icon, securing the legacy of performance for the future art market.