Molly, aged 17
Acrylic paint on canvas
I was drawn to Vincent van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù raw, emotional style, use of colour and brushwork to express what he was feeling, rather than just what he was seeing. I have kept the bold, textured strokes and exaggerated features that define his portraits, but reimagined the setting and figure in a contemporary context.
In place of Van Gogh, I’ve painted myself stepping into his composition to explore identity and a sense of self. It is about reflecting on how we present ourselves to the world and how self-portraits can reveal both strength and vulnerability.
The background architecture and the crashing wave are my own additions – symbols of chaos or change – but also a nod to Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù fascination with Japanese prints. The colour palette is my own interpretation, combined with Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù love of blues and greens. This piece explores how Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù intense, personal style still speaks to us today – not just as history, but as something we can feel and respond to in our own way.