Friends

2021

Heather McLeod

Oil on panel

50.8 x 40.6 cm 

Unframed 

(Ships from the US)

Heather McLeod wittily navigates the gap between our appearance and inner self. She plays with symbolism and concealment to enhance the narrative and evoke a quiet yet humorous side to portraiture. By concealing the face, and we must find meaning in the symbolism of what we are permitted to see. Objects selected to represents a person can enhance the narrative of the figure we cannot see and welcome a range of interpretations. Does 'Friends' display a single withered flower in a glass as a reminder of ephemeral friendships? Or is it a reminder of former youth? Or perhaps it invites us to find beauty in the most unexpected places? The elusiveness that results in parallels the intangible nature of our own identity and, ultimately, reality.