Concept behind the Painting
Conceptually the painting deals with my friend’s bi polar disorder. Originally I wanted to paint the picture entirely in black and white to exemplify in colour (or tones) the bi polaryness i was trying to convey. However I then decided to use a myriad of bright vivid colours to contrast with the sadness in the photo. I think the colour serves the purpose of representing the manic high that is sometimes overlooked in bi polar disorder. With the image (figure) itself serving to represent the depressive, lethargical side of the illness. I think the dichotomy between the colours and the figure will serve well in realising my intension.
Looking at the image
During a critical review in the first week back one of my peers pointed out something quite interesting about the photograph. The photo itself has many different aspects that could be interpreted as metaphors for bi polar. Firstly the photo was taken in black and white and secondly there is a noticeable contrast between two half’s of the face. The left side of the face looks as if it is being pulled (or clawed- the left hand resembling a claw) resembling pain anger or grief. While the left side of the face remains ‘normal’- calm, content.
I thought these were very good points and offered an extra dimension to the way I thought about my painting.
The only problem is by adding all of the colour would I be over complicating the image?
And by doing so lose all of the bi polar connotations that the original picture contained or will it intensify it meaning through my use of bold conflicting colours?
I think at the moment the former is more true. However I do believe that once the painting is finished my use of colour will help to reinforce the issues I am trying to convey. To do this I think the features of the face need to be clearly defined, particularly the focal points such as the eyes, and cannot be blurred or distorted my an over or incorrect use of colour.
My intension is to build the colours up again starting with the darkest darks and working out. At least then I will have some sort of reference point to base the rest of my structure on.
