Budding (Olga de Klein)

Olga de Klein

Acrylic on wood panel

12" x 12"

It all started with a photograph by Deborah Luster I saw at the Asheville Museum of Art this past June. Ms Luster invited individuals incarcerated in Louisiana to show themselves as they wanted to be seen. These images were meant as portraits for their loved ones, and expressions of self and identity. A stark contrast from the usual police mug shots. I painted the portrait of a photograph that captured my attention because of the expression on the woman's face. It could be you, me, or anyone else we know. I wonder where she is right now, and if she's leading a life that's far away from the dehumanizing time in prison. I used sepia colors, mimicking the tones of the photograph. It is also a stark contrast from the vivid colors I normally use. It represents metamorphosis. A change. Into something completely different...