CONCEPT
As an artist, I explore ways to create paintings that speak to me and others about intellectual and philosophical ideas. The textured canvas of my mixed media self-portrait is constructed using available modern and natural materials, including coffee, sand, and marble dust, to visually communicate Rembrandt’s distinct use of pigment manipulation and texture application. His light-guiding and depth of field inspired me to limit my colour palette and test numerous glazing techniques, creating an atmospheric setting in the piece.
My work offers classical and modern interpretations juxtaposed in one painting. In what looks like a selfie, I’m donning modern day objects, such as sunglasses and headphones; however, I am immortalised by the wearing of a gorget, symbolising my acceptance as a female artist with similar status. Rather than portraying myself as a beautiful woman, I chose to dress myself in masculine clothes to transcend the gender barriers that existed during Rembrandt’s time.
Rembrandt’s face displayed in the background symbolises how a new reality has emerged from the past, but how despite this transition, his techniques continue to influence all types of art today. My artwork thus speaks not only for me, but for artists of all mediums that Rembrandt inspires.
