Mila Piccardi
Ravenswood School for Girls
WE ARE (IN)COMPLETE
Drawing
Graphite and posca pen on paper
My concept for my body of work was the fracture between persona and private self, examined in relation to my ADHD. Through my attempts to be seen as a competent, stable and accomplished person, I have realised that changing how we are perceived takes immense effort. A persona is an artform, rigorously cultivated with energy and dedication, like the process of photorealism. In representing my desire to be seen as successful, against the unstable self I feel I am, I ask: How often is one's most insecure, vulnerable self ever really shown? And in what circumstances can we show it?
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Artemisia Gentileschi, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Marjane Satrapi.
Marker's Commentary
We are (in)complete explores how the persona presented to the world conceals the true self beneath. Highly refined graphite portraits capture a shy and pensive individual contrasting with vibrant graphic images exploring the psychological puzzle of her individuality. In her choice of materials and techniques, the candidate not only acknowledges the traditions of the arts, drawing from masters of the Renaissance to highly distinctive contemporary practitioners, but aligns her conceptual intent with each to eloquently express her emotional and rational state. The adept use of fine line, tonal rendering and judicious use of an eraser throughout the graphite drawings eloquently describe her appearance and character. Further it captures the play of light accentuating the expressiveness of her face. The naïve, graphic illustrations use discordant colour and comic book compositions to elucidate the disjointed and emotional machinations that play out constantly behind her public façade. An insightful and frank multi-faceted exploration of a unique individual.