 |
Ingrid Andersen |
|
Harry Edwards – Wisdom vs the Barbs of Monotony
As the subject for my portrait I selected my father, Paul Edwards. Paul is an incredibly knowledgeable individual, and this was the foundation for choosing to paint him. He is represented in oil, on a large canvas, the dimensions of which are 100cm x 75cm x 4cm. The title of the painting is Wisdom vs the Barbs of Monotony. Paul’s knowledge has always impressed me. His comprehensive understanding of history, culture and society has, cumulatively, helped me to define, and understand, the concept of wisdom. The painting makes use of vivid colours as a means of accentuating my personal feelings towards the subject matter: Paul is my father and, as such, I respect and admire his wisdom. Paul’s head sits on a pole, which is being held up by an obscured figure’s hand. This element of the composition points towards the fruitful abilities of wisdom, which I will discuss shortly. The head and arm possess a soft glow, which is a token outward manifestation of knowledge, in a sense hinting towards a ‘light’ vs ‘dark’ function. Thus, Paul’s portrait serves as a defensive mechanism against the ‘barbs’ that are floating across the composition. These ‘barbs’ sit as representations of the monotonous. Monotony is something every human being must endure at times, and this can, potentially, drive the individual insane. My father, for example, spent several years working regular shifts in a potato factory. His wisdom kept him sane. The final element of the piece is the tree, which sits on Paul’s head and extends its ‘arms’ across the canvas. This feature deserves its own paragraph, as its poignancy is paramount. It is my final affirmation to the subject matter; the tree is the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ and it serves as an extension of the traditional human form. Paul’s wisdom transcends his physicality.
|
