After Velázquez: New Narrative Paintings
I am interested in creating open narrative paintings based on recombining fragments from past Velazquez paintings with my own subtle changes. I am currently working to make my spaces more palpable and the interpretation of my figures more fluid. Within these works I am exploring concepts dealing with art history conspiracies, autobiographical experiences, concepts relating to the uncanny, mystical treasures and spiritual relics, and the auratic presence of the copy. Readings from Spanish baroque literature also loosely influence my narratives. I am interested in forming connections with the romantic figure of the artist and rejecting the skepticism of contemporary approaches to the relationship to the artist.
I am fascinated by the history of the imitation of Velazquez. Manet called Velazquez, “The Painter’s Painter,” and he isn’t the only painter who found Velazquez beguiling. Manet was so obsessed in fact that he created new narratives for Velazquez, which included painting himself in the guise and style of Velazquez, and placing himself within his studio through the paintings. In many ways, Manet and his images of Olympia mirror the relationship between Velazquez and his mysterious Venus. Goya also imitated Velazquez’s lost reclining Venus in his image of the Maja, which depicts his mistress the Duchess of Alba. This painting Rokeby Venus also belonged to the Duchesses personal collection. John Singer Sargent made many copies of the paintings of Velazquez working to imitate the fluidity and life of Velazquez’s mark making.
I am fascinated by the history of the imitation of Velazquez. Manet called Velazquez, “The Painter’s Painter,” and he isn’t the only painter who found Velazquez beguiling. Manet was so obsessed in fact that he created new narratives for Velazquez, which included painting himself in the guise and style of Velazquez, and placing himself within his studio through the paintings. In many ways, Manet and his images of Olympia mirror the relationship between Velazquez and his mysterious Venus. Goya also imitated Velazquez’s lost reclining Venus in his image of the Maja, which depicts his mistress the Duchess of Alba. This painting Rokeby Venus also belonged to the Duchesses personal collection. John Singer Sargent made many copies of the paintings of Velazquez working to imitate the fluidity and life of Velazquez’s mark making.