The Art of Ralph Heimans
Ralph Heimans’ work has been described to have a disarming quality, recalling the methods and conventions of 16th and 17th century European portraiture, while at the same time playfully undermining those traditions. Although his technical approach pays homage to masters like Caravaggio and Velazquez, particularly in the use of chiaroscuro, his subject matter is distinctly contemporary, drawing inspiration from technology and images of modern life. His work is a departure from the way in which portraiture, and the process of commissioning art, is generally understood. Rather than conventionally depicting his subjects, his paintings offer a detailed narrative about their character and life story. Subjects are often portrayed in action or in a context containing clues about their lives. These settings are reconstructed, either from the imagination, or by altering places of actual significance, which contributes to the surreal quality of some of his work. The play of strong light and shadow, a dominant recurring theme, further enhances the sense of an imagined reality. Link
Tags: head shots, it looks so real but it's not, narrative portraits, oil, portraits
