Ser Supremo SE (Segunda sEdición): Sights and Sounds: Louis Smith

sábado, noviembre 10, 2012

Sights and Sounds: Louis Smith - Holly + Ivory Flame

One painting which, judging by media attention, was the front-runner in the 2011's BP Portrait Award Competition had to be Holly, a monumental work by 42-year-old artist Louis Smith from Manchester, England. In the piece, Holly (the British model Ivory Flame) plays a female version of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the mortals. When Zeus had discovered the theft, he punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and allowing an eagle to eat his liver from the Titan's live body. Each day, Prometheus' liver would grow back, and the ordeal would begin anew. Holly is seen in the portrait at the point of the allegory when the eagle is once again approaching to tear into the prisoner's skin. She is looking directly at the eagle as it comes toward her, "with a calm strength and resilience, accepting the fate that lies before her," states Smith. "It is a heroic gesture of composure in the face of adversity. One could put a modern day spin on it," suggests the artist, and see the portrait as a portrayal of person "having the courage and perseverance to weather life's storms, no matter what."¹

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Stories from Ancient history and religion have long since been a guide for the morals and beliefs of the human condition. The themes of these tales are often dark, with the hero or heroine battling against adversity, emerging triumphant and stronger for having faced their demons. We can all identify with at least one historical or fictitious character, or possibly with an era in which we would have liked to live. The narratives are used in a way that encourages the sitter to become emotionally invested in the piece and creates an attachment that can be used in a positive way. The portrait may be an affirmation of who they are, or as an inspiration for who they want to be.

The portrait of Holly is based on the Allegory of Prometheus, who was the champion of mankind. Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the mortals. Zeus punished him for this crime by bounding him to a rock while a great eagle ate his liver. The punishment would take place every day, Prometheus’ liver would grow back, only to have it eaten again the next day.

In this portrait, Holly is looking into the face of the eagle with a calm strength and resilience, accepting the fate that lies before her. It is a heroic gesture of composure in the face of adversity. One could put a modern day spin on it and see it as having the courage and perseverance to weather life’s storms, no matter what.

This genre of painting could be viewed by some as egotistical or self centred, however, I view it as a way to paint a portrait that has personal meaning to the subject and in doing so produce a piece of art that will start many a conversation and leave a lasting impression.

Bespoke Portrait

Below is a slideshow illustrating the production of a narrative portrait by Louis Smith. From the conception, to building the scenery, props, wardrobe, lighting and make up. Also a unique frame built to accommodate the painting