Am I the Third One?

Am I the Third One? This is a painting of the cosplayer identifying as Zio_cos dressed as the character Rei Ayanami, pilot of Eva unit 00 from the Japanese animated series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

One of two similar portraits this work explores the nature of identity and agency. The model in choosing to embrace this character is making a statement about how they may see themselves and who they wish to be. The character of Rei is known for her doll-like behavior and emotionless compliance throughout the series, seemingly sacrificing herself at least twice; hence the question Am I the Third One? This however leads to the character's final move to self determination and emancipation, a sense of legitimacy not reliant on the approval of others. One can see the duality here, that in embracing the character of the doll, the cosplayer Zio also embraces the freedom to be who they want to be.

This duality has been lovingly rendered in oils by Tom Hermann to give as much fidelity to the cosplayer and costume as the cosplayer given to the character. The realism of the painting invites the viewer to spend time with the piece, to see how carefully prepared the costume has been put together and to contemplate the thoughts of the subject.

Presented in oils on a prepared canvas surface. This surface has been gessoed and sanded multiple times by the artist to generate a smooth regular surface to take the paint. The work has been finished with a natural oak timber frame to delicately compliment the image.

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Born and raised in Adelaide Tom came to painting after a rich and eclectic tapestry of life experiences and now makes high fidelity works focused on asking questions.

With a background in health sciences as well as architecture and design Tom's paintings are deeply rooted in the notion of critical thinking and the forging of human identity. Concepts of community versus individuality permeate the work as well as complexity versus minimalism.

The use of realism in traditional oil paints gives pause to the rapid consumptive nature of the modern digital image. They ask the viewer to rest a while, observe and let the painting take one's thoughts where it will. The works do not regale with a bombastic answer but rather sequester time for a deeper question.

He has been a semi-finalist in the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize in 2016, 2019 and again in 2022. He was the winner of the Kennedy Art Prize People's Choice Award 2021 and 2023. He was a Bluethumb Art Prize Finalist in 2022 as well as a Finalist in the Darling Portrait Prize 2022 at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.

Since 2013 Tom has been involved in the acclaimed pop-up fine art workshop school The Art Academy in Adelaide run by internationally renowned artist Robin Eley. Working first as a technical assistant and later as an instructor Tom has continued the never-ending journey of refining his craft and sharing that passion with others; for a lesson in painting is a lesson in thinking and continues to be to this day.