Abstract/Narrative Self-Portraits
So to start the new year, and to get the year started. Here are the self portraits I have spoke about previously in my Blog, ‘Portraiture’ in 2023…
What I would call, ‘semi-abstract’ self portraits. ‘Semi abstract’ by definition is… ‘pertaining to or designating a style of painting or sculpture in which the subject remains recognisable although the forms are highly stylised in a manner derived from abstract art’.
So I would say this definition fits.
In my previous post regarding self portraiture, I wrote about the need to leave the idea of recognisable depictions of myself for while and to focus on a more narrative journey.
I work in a beautiful gallery in town part-time called ‘Cowes Gallery’. I had a customer interested in knowing the story behind a certain painting. ‘What was the artist thinking?’ he asked? Unfortunately I couldn’t answer this question for him. This idea stayed with me long enough to create these two pieces and bring together ideas I have been working on for a while now.
So this is me breaking down this first painting for you:
The Clown Face - To play a part. A mask we hide behind. Our identity we create. Are we stronger with a face to hide behind? Also a nod to the extremes of make up.
The Nose - An homage to a painting I love by Picasso as seen above. ‘Femme au Beret et la Robe Quadrillee’, 1937.
The Golden Ladder - A symbol of me wanting to climb the career ladder. And showing my head or myself always getting in the way.
The Large Eye - Gateway into the soul. Also moral conscience and truth. And the western custom of honesty.
Ladybird - Hinting at my female biology. A burden that effects me every month physically but also a badge I wear proudly as a mother.
Spiral in the hair - Symbol of creativity and I have curly hair ;)
Slanted Eye - Always looking inward. I am an extreme over thinker.
Trees and Sea - These sit either side of me to represent the trees and the forests I used to paint and now the coast that inspires my work today.
Pencil - Stating that this is a narrative piece.
The 2nd Painting in the Series shown with flowers all around the figure, exaggerates and repeats some of the same concepts above.
Contact me as I would love to hear your response.
Or if you would like me to paint someone else’s story.
Happy New year!
Harriet