Self Portrait (I Stare at the Sun)
Brianna Gittos
- Sitter: Brianna Gittos
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Dimensions: 51 x 61cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
- Categories: Female Artist
2022 Emerging Artists Award
Proudly supported by
Oxlades
About the artwork and sitter
This self portrait shows the artist looking directly, almost squinting, into the sun. The bold use of colour and the treatment of light is used to show the artist confronting something head on.
“I wanted this artwork to represent the idea of not turning from something that is difficult, and fighting instead, even though it may hurt.”
Bianna Gittos’ inspiration for this work came from observing, while sitting on the bus, on the way home from work. “It was around 5pm, and the sun was glaring into the windows. The thought of, rather than turning your head from the sun, you stare directly at it, inspired me.”
About the artist
Brianna Gittos is a 23 year old self taught artist from Townsville, who now lives in Brisbane. She has been painting for 4 years, “but I have been artistic my whole life. I focus on introspective thoughts, and prefer to delve into the inner meaning of myself in my art.”
Judge's Notes
This is a bold painting, both in terms of the colour choices and the apparent tension of the gaze.
A self portrait, 23 year-old self-taught artist Birianna Gittos has used the intensity of the afternoon light on the bus as inspiration. She has placed herself in an interior domestic setting, but is self consciously refusing to turn away from the glare. In this, she is determinedly confronting whatever it is that may lie ahead. This is both a personal work, and a work that can speak to the experience of many.
Anna Reynolds
Board Chair
Brisbane Portrait Prize
