"Layers of Identity": Portraits in Abstraction"

Artist Statement:

This portrait series is a bold exploration of abstraction and human essence. Each work begins with layers of torn collage and design paper, instinctively placed to create textureand depth before any marks are drawn. Acrylic and oil follow, with expressive brushstrokes and intentional color choices guiding the emotional presence of each figure.

My focus is not on replicating a physical likeness but rather capturing the energy, spirit,and individuality that makes a person compelling. The bearded figure, for instance, resonates with viewers through piercing, magnetic eyes that seem to hold an entire narrative within them. The raw, gestural brushwork and fragmented layers of color create tension—between vulnerability and strength, chaos and clarity.

These portraits challenge the viewer to look deeper, beyond the face, into the emotional pulse beneath the surface. The abstracted forms invite curiosity and dialogue, asking what truly defines a subject’s presence. This series is a reflection of my lifelong pursuit to push the boundaries of portraiture—stripping away the expected to reveal something profound, timeless, and undeniably human.