Liberated from the Constraints of Illness

Elizabeth, Liberated from the Constraints of Illness, Sense of Self Online Exhibition 2025 | The Courtauld.
Elizabeth, Liberated from the Constraints of Illness, Sense of Self Online Exhibition 2025 | The Courtauld.

Elizabeth, aged 14

Oil pastel and oil stick on paper

This triptych is about what it feels like to be unwell and in hospital for a long time. It shows the journey from being in a strange, scary and unknown place to finding a beautiful place where I feel at home and rediscovering my sense of self. This piece was influenced by Vincent van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. His portrayal of himself after leaving the hospital and journey to rediscover himself through art inspired me to reflect on what helped me through a difficult time. A place to escape.

Van Gogh51²è¹Ý¶ù figurative, emotional and expressive use of colour and texture inspired my triptych. I was also inspired by Rachel Jones51²è¹Ý¶ù bold colours and how colour influences the emotions of a piece. I used the same materials as Rachel Jones to give a sense of texture.

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