Cherrybrook Technology High School
New Reign
Painting
Acrylic on canvas
My body of work explores and challenges old-fashioned notions of white supremacy and racial hierarchy, positioning contemporary individuals of colour in the conventional roles of Caucasian individuals from traditional 18th century portraiture. I was influenced by the idea of cultural revolutionism and the differences in cultural diversity between modern-day portrait sitters and traditional 18th century artworks. I used large canvases and a strong colour palette, confident and formal posing, ruffles, jewels and embroidery to express high status and wealth. By representing contemporary individuals of colour with white face paint, I invite audiences to consider a cultural change in our modern society.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Margaret Bowland, Power exhibition; Liseth Visser, Lemuel Francis Abbott.