This painting was inspired by a residency in China where I became very interested in masks and identity.
This is a self portrait with me refecting on China and what it means to be Chinese, to take on different roles and identities.
Just as a face can either be used to express and communicate or conceal and deceive, a mask too can both conceal and reveal. A mask can hide the wearer, disguise true identity or create a barrier. But as well it can facilitate communication by simplifying and highighting features and characteristics in a symbolic way, thereby defining roles or creating a new identity. The choice of mask may also reveal a lot about the intentions and perceptions of the wearer.
The exact line between concealment and revelation must be negotiated by both the wearer and the viewer.
Viewing things things from alternative perspectives and looking 'beneath the surface' has been a common thread in my practice.