Identity
This series of paintings is about the question that everyone has on their identity and existence.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 116.8 x 91.0 cm
The painting is completed as a contemporary transcription of Cabanel’s, The Birth of Venus and inspired by Jenny Saville’s work this painting conveys the message that the ideal body type changes across time, causing immense pressure. The venus appears obese, faceless and objectified as flesh. The out of control castle in the background suggests how stereotypes are rife in society. Bones symbolise death which surround the morph figure, symbolises death of our freedoms to enjoy our natural physical state. Both paintings in the middle and right have blurred background presents how human growth is out of control, and unexpected. Furthermore, the figures in the background are incomplete and transparent in some sections of its body to convey the idea that their emotions can directly be presented.
This painting conveys the message of the hidden emotions that people feel. The idea of concealed emotions is conveyed through the smugged layers of oil paint in the face of the figure. These various layers represent the message that people hide their emotions through layers and layers of facial expressions since they are afraid to publically present them. Furthermore, the huge blubs of paint on the background represent the hardships people go through due to the criticism they receive from society. However, the wide variety of colour represents that this criticism is not only negative but also positive.