"Portrait of a Flapper" (2019)

Graphite
12 x 9 inches

This graphite portrait captures the essence of a woman from the Roaring Twenties, a period of cultural upheaval and newfound freedom. The subject embodies the flapper, an iconic figure of the 1920s, who defied convention with her bold fashion and liberated spirit. The headpiece, with its intricate feathers and beads, nods to the glamour of the time, while the geometric patterns in the background evoke the sleek and modern lines of the Art Deco movement.

Through the careful rendering of the face, I sought to create a sense of emotional intensity. The direct, unwavering gaze invites viewers to reflect on the inner life of the subject, asking questions about her story, her emotions, and her place in a rapidly changing world. The contrast between the soft shadows on her face and the sharp, angular lines in the background mirrors the tension between tradition and modernity, vulnerability and strength, that defined the era.
This work is not just a portrait; it is a meditation on identity, empowerment, and the timeless struggle to be seen and heard. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and delve deeper into the complex narratives that shape our understanding of history and culture.