Asleep

2023, oil on canvas, 41x41cm

“For years, I have been drawn to the idea of incorporating more masculine figures in my paintings. Yet, whenever I set out to portray a subject, my mind instinctively gravitates towards feminine faces and forms. This inclination is perhaps influenced by the works of the artists I admire, whose pieces predominantly feature female figures—a trend not surprising given that 98% of artists in renowned museums are male and 98% of the figures painted are female.

Each attempt at painting a male model left me dissatisfied; the resulting images felt more like specific portraits than the emotive, universal expressions I sought. Determined to capture a man's face in a soft, almost flower-like way, I started this project with meticulous planning.

I carefully selected a high-key color palette to merge the face and pillow, transforming the bed into a magical forest. Inspired by Allen Tucker's impressionist landscape "Cold Beverly," I chose to work exclusively with the lighter spectrum of oil paints, striving to transcend realistic colors and instead evoke pure feeling. The initial sketch was even lighter, with the orange imprimatura glowing through the purple hues. 

The sweater blends seamlessly into the blue pillow, while the ultramarine and white mixture offers a striking contrast against the off-white background. This work is about my journey in balancing the depiction of male figures with the emotive and aesthetic qualities that resonate deeply with me.”