Revelation

Revelation bares an empty torso, exposing a cavernous space symbolic of the hidden, inner aspects of the self. The figure opens herself up both physically and literally, peeling back the layers that protectively shield those parts of our identities that we might withhold from the outside world. Perhaps even from ourselves. The watercolour self-portrait was created while contemplating what makes up identity and the self, excavating unvoiced regrets and projected anxieties. We may bottle up our fears, desires and any shame too ineffable to voice out loud, these nonetheless make up parts of our identity. The gaping cavity is a confrontational expanse of glaring white, left empty but suggestive of the private inhibitions and emotions hiding there. Faint washes of watercolour built up in layers gently tease the form from the whiteness of the paper. Although exposing herself in an unsettling and painfully vulnerable way, at its core the piece is intended as a testament to strength and resilience, touching on universal themes of identity and self-acceptance.