Helena, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm, photo
Jean-Luc Wittevrongel
Concentration Portrait III, 2006, oil paint on canvas,
80 x 100 cm, photo M.Seresia
Concentration Portraits
Helena, a self-portrait and the first successful escape from the public space series, underpinned the creation of the series The Concentration Portraits. Here, the expression of the face has given way to a glance at the vulnerable crown of a person – a crown from which no mutual eye contact emanates. A face, eyes, mouth or gaze can no longer be seen… The hair texture alone still expresses a certain individuality.
This series of portraits is a consistent inversion of the cityscapes. In a sharp contrast with the anonymous voyeurism in public places, each portrait shown here displays an acquaintance – a friend or family member – in an intimate, closed room. The central difference is that the person portrayed is perfectly aware that their photograph is being taken. Consequently, they ‘prepare’ for a portrait and strike a pose.
Concentration Portrait IV, 2006, oil paint on canvas,
80 x 100 cm, photo M.Seresia
4 Concentration Portrait V, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
5 Concentration Portrait XI, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
6 Concentration Portrait VII, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
7 Concentration Portrait II, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
Photos by Marijke Seresia
5 Concentration Portrait XI, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
6 Concentration Portrait VII, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
7 Concentration Portrait II, 2006, oil paint on canvas, 80 x 100 cm
Photos by Marijke Seresia