Saxen Payne Monmouth School for Boys Self Portrait with Cat 50 x 40 cm Oil on Canvas

Saxen Payne
Self Portrait with Cat
2019
Oil on Canvas
50 x 40 cm
NFS

Monmouth School for Girls and A Level Art and Design at Monmouth School for Boys whilst attending the joint Sixth Form.

It is ironic that fine art is mostly experienced with the eyes when a large proportion of its importance does not require physical vision. To see what is put before you does not always mean to see the truth. When accomplishments and artificial appearances are stripped bare, when the masquerade masks are removed, it is then that the intrinsic primal traits that link us to animals are shown.
My work revolves around the portrayal of personal identity and connection. I have three cats which are a major source of inspiration and play a huge role in my pieces. The symbolism of animals can imply information that is not visually conveyed, as the mind can be manipulated by imagery to come to certain conclusions based on existing knowledge. We put up facades to obscure vulnerabilities and only when these are removed is our raw identity shown. Even what appears to be the most accentuated form of personality could simply be a form of camouflage; by sculpting oneself to fit a certain image it is easy to ignore the honest truths. I aim to explore these fascinating concepts via my work and express the connections between the versions of ourselves and others. My preferred medium is oil paint due to its versatility.

This piece was inspired by the ‘Animeyed’ series, by photographer and artist Flora Borsi.