Silkscreen self-portrait fascinates art lovers

07 September 2017 576

A unique silkscreen self-portrait of Petra Schutte had captured the judges of the 2016 Phatshoane Henney New Breed Art Competition to such an extent that it was regarded as one of the top entries from last year. 

Specialising in graphic printmaking and drawing, Bloemfontein artist Petra shares how she created this silkscreen work in the second year of her BA Fine Arts studies in an attempt to portray herself as realistically as possible in this particular medium – which she admits to not being an easy feat. “I wanted to create a sense of calm through the piece. But I also wanted to make the viewer aware of the several separate layers of colour that were used, that, if seen from afar, merges into a realistic, integrated selfportrait.”

Currently busy with the final year of her undergraduate studies, she reflects on how she never expected to do so well in the New Breed Art Competition – the first ever art competition she entered.  “It also heightened my awareness of the great number of Free State artists out there, and the immense talent we are unwittingly surrounded with.” 

In addition it filled her with great self-confidence. “There’s no doubt that I’ll enter again this year.”

Click here to visit her full profile and for more information on her competition entry.  

 

 
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