Night Studio No.2
Cynthia Breusch
- Sitter: Cynthia Breusch
- Medium: Acrylic on Board
- Dimensions: 62cm x 123cm
- Representation: Gallery One
About the artwork
Cynthia Breusch does one self portrait a year, and considers it like a diary, a “valuable phychological check in”. Portraiture is a big part of her practice, which also addresses universal themes of belonging, isolation, memories and dreams.
This work is a variation on a theme she has been working with for many years. Similar works were exhibited in the Portia Geach Memorial Award, and also a survey show at Lethbridge Gallery in 2020.
“It depicts me in the studio late one night as I caught my reflection in the glass door. The overhead lighting exaggerated the shadows and highlights, dramatising a moment of self-doubt; the studio became theatre.” The size and dramatic tonal contrasts further exaggerate these stark elements.
Breusch says it reminds her of the remark John Cage made to US artist, Phillip Guston: “When you start working everyone is in your studio – the past, your friends, your enemies, the art world, and above all your ideas – all are there. But as you continue painting they start leaving one by one, you are left completely alone. Then, if you are lucky, even you leave.”
This portrait was also exhibited in the Darling Portrait Prize.
About the artist
Cynthia Breusch has held over 35 solo exhibitions around Australia and internationally and has been a finalist in awards including the Darling Portrait Prize, the Archibald Salon des Refusés and the Portia Geach Memorial Award. Her work is represented in the Tweed Regional Gallery, Rockhahampton Museum of Art, Ipswich City Council, BHP Billiton, News Corp, Tattersalls Club Brisbane and University of Qld Press.
