Would you mind terribly if I painted you?
Maisie Chilton
Opening: October 28 5:30 pm
Viewing: October 28 until November 7
An exhibition of expressive portraits. Exploring the complex nature of us.
The first words he said to me were “would you mind terribly if I painted you?” Instead, the first night we met I painted him, and then I just kept painting him. It’s amazing what you see when you really look at another person, when you focus on their essence over the details. As time went on I realised the paintings portrayed myself as much as they did him. Everything we do is about connection. Feeling connected fundamentally requires feeling seen. At the end of the day we all just want to be mirrored by someone. There’s an intimacy there that we long for but are also deeply terrified of.
It’s always an intuitive process and I don’t know why his eyes are often closed, although I tend to feel overwhelmed by eyes I paint open. They’re inherently confronting. I wonder if it isn’t because when they’re open it becomes difficult to look away, to ignore the grief they carry. And it’s difficult to see others the way we see ourselves. You know, with such loud ache.
{Gallery 2}
Space Studio & Gallery
18 Saint Hill Street
