This portrait has been selected as a finalists in the 2023 Portia Geach Memorial Award
NFS
Acrylic on cotton on canvas
152 x 91cm
Statement of Work
In this portrait, I intertwine the journey of a mother and daughter as they stand at a transformative juncture.
Anouk, on the brink of womanhood as her teenage years wane, becomes a canvas for dual narratives - an exploration of her identity and my role in witnessing her growth.
As both artist and mother, crafting this portrait evolved into a symbolic rite, celebrating our profound bond while recognising Anouk's emergence as an independent woman. My brush delves beyond the surface, capturing her complexities - the depths of her shadows, the radiance of her brilliance, and the tenacity of her struggles that shape her pursuit of roots and a sense of belonging.
Enhancing her tale, Anouk wears Kangaroo Paw antlers in her hair, an intentional nod to her Nordic heritage from my lineage. Exploring her Sami roots, she resonates with their pagan culture, a testament to her profound connection. Complementing her story, Mapuche silver earrings and beads pay homage to her paternal lineage, weaving together the mosaic of her diverse Australian identity.
"Anouk and Kurulbrang" encapsulates heritage, identity, and the deep mother-daughter bond. Each stroke freezes a moment - embodying the essence of Anouk's unique passage through the intricacies of her own story.
