The Burden of Expectation

Description

Portrait of Callum
2019 | Oil on Canvas Board | 45 x 55cm
Finalist 2019 Lester Prize for Portraiture

Callum reflects the feverish burden of expectation. That evolution to a man, officially. That final number, judgement day. All the while working out what is right, clinging to childish familiarity while those expectations mount like a slow-built wall. Despite the opportunities appearing more vast than ever, the overwhelming pressure seems unprecedented.

It’s not easy getting a pose out of a teenager, particularly one in the throes of ATAR. Drawing on the drama and tension of the Baroque to produce a classical style portrait using rich complimentary colours, strong highlights and subtle reflected light. Traditional in style yet bought into the modern era in subject along with the more obvious addition of a contemporary stripey t-shirt and mop-style hair; the rebellious result of school rules that boys can’t have hair below their shirt collar; the things you learn from your subject…

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