Sculptural Portraits Revive Used Paintbrushes with Social Commentary and Historical Details
“Caroline,” oil on carved wooden, plastic, steel, plaster, and epoxy. All photographs © Rebecca Szeto, shared with permission
San Francisco-based artist Rebecca Szeto (beforehand) applies a heavy dose of social commentary to her ongoing Paintbrush Portraits. Via whittled busts and oil-based figurative renderings, Szeto alludes to a big selection of historic moments, vital figures, and points that proceed to affect the world at the moment.
She transforms the used instruments with onerous bristles and stained ferrules—she’s dedicated to an ecologically-conscious observe that repurposes supplies already accessible—into poetic works which can be subversive and metaphorical. The optic deal with of “Tapada Americana,” for instance, references the Peruvian custom of ladies sporting a skirt and mantel that totally coated their our bodies, “leaving seen a single cycloptic eye,” the artist writes. “Differing from its cousins the burka and the hijab, it signified a stage of discreet home freedom and sexual intrigue for ladies.”
Questions on modesty and dignity proceed to affect Szeto’s observe, and he or she shares with Colossal:
I discover myself circling this notion of grace, because the innate virtues and values we possess as people. For me, grace indicators our potential to maintain an emotional distance that permits us the fortitude and inventive company to rework and re-imagine the world round us. My curiosity lies in how we transcend difficult instances, linguistic labels and provide up educating moments for critical play and energetic renewal.
For extra of Szeto’s works that span portray, set up, and different mediums, go to her site and Instagram.
“Mannequin Minority”
“Princess/Priceless (of Broglie. Ode to Ingres),” oil on carved paintbrush, 8 x 3 x .5 inches
“Princess/Priceless (of Broglie. Ode to Ingres),” oil on carved paintbrush, 8 x 3 x .5 inches
“Tapada Americana”
“Reflections on Magnificence”
“Threading the Needle”
“Inexperienced (Immigrant)”
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