The figural: Artist statement
My painting depicts the constant inner battle we face between various states of being. The figure sits with a passive expression that signifies her exhaustion in response to both the interior and exterior nagging that weβre berated with. I was interested in the relation between the iconography of nature and history and the way these elements can symbolise human emotion and thought. In this painting it is a contest between spirituality (represented by her halo) and materiality (a simple, inconsequential hoodie), as well as the speed and constancy of modern life (a disposable coffee cup) in competition with moving slowly and inward contemplation (the snail). The snail is purposefully placed on the neck as it appears intimate and intrusive, but also calm and steady, as if it were willing the figure to relax. Her face is passive to suggest inactivity in the face of various decisions, situations, and states of being; these things are happening to her rather than with her.Β I wanted to visually represent the exhaustion of constancy, and the sometimes relentlessness of life. I chose deliberately light colours as I did not want the experience of the painting to be gloomy, but rather introspective. My intention was to have the viewer immediately think of old religious portraits in contrast to the more relatable, modern subject depicted.
