Anne-Marie Zanetti on the Portrait Painting “Aisling”
I am intrigued by memories from my childhood – how fleeting yet important each can be. The emotions that accompany these memories bring valuable insights if we are willing to delve into the shadows of our emotional landscape. My painting, over time, has become a cherished method of unearthing the wisdom to be found through soulful and emotional discoveries.
Portraiture, and all its challenges, fascinates me and my youngest daughter Bec has become my muse in this personal exploration, a symbol of myself. The ‘Reminisce’ series began when Bec was navigating the complexity of early adulthood. Unexpectedly, my own fragile memories of these years clamored for my attention.
Bec, the protagonist of these paintings, is a young woman owning her sexuality and strength. The intimate, often sensual, poses invite attention, and yet at the same time the camouflage of the sunglasses seems to protect her identity, even her innocence. The wallpaper backgrounds, suggestive of 70’s and 80’s styling, helped me to fuse the eras, past and present, and introduce a sense of nostalgia and context.
The rendering of these works is my endeavor to heal, nurture, and release a very tumultuous time of my life, transforming my recollections into something beautiful, confident and feminine.
Connect with the artist at www.zanettiart.com.
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