Scarlett Fotheringham
Killara High School
MORE IS MORE AND LESS IS A BORE
Painting
Acrylic on canvas
In a society that idolises flawless youth, my body of work represents the vibrancy and unapologetic characteristics of elderly women, challenging the myth that a woman's 'prime' is tied to smooth skin and conventionally youthful beauty. Focusing on lived-in skin and self-expression, my intention was to celebrate ageing in women as a form of liberation that comes with letting go of societal expectations, where age is not a decline but an elevation into a more colourful, authentic version of the self. Skin is not something which needs to be 'corrected' but is an expression of experience, emotion and living.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Maggi Hambling, Cindy Sherman, Vincent van Gogh, Isabella Cotier, Hope Gangloff, Hans Sieverding, Willem Jonkers, Iris Apfel, Bruce Gilden, Colleen Heidemann.
Marker's Commentary
These expressive paintings exhibit a celebration of colour and life across multiple panels. The juxtaposition of contrasting colours and gestural painting techniques evoke a sense of movement, vitality and energy. The student has made highly considered and deliberate compositional choices including up close, three quarter and full length viewpoints that demonstrate a sophisticated investigation of the conventions of portraiture.
Conceptually we are drawn into the lives of the subject matter, their material possessions, the vibrancy and celebration of life. The work builds a narrative of life experience and liberation, reinforcing that life can be dynamic, no matter the age. The expressive brushwork and colour palette reinforces the playful and engaging vignettes of life. The body of work speaks to issues regarding identity, ageism and societal expectations. The audience is enticed into the inner world of the subjects through an authentic and sometimes overlooked celebration of life.