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December 13, 2007

Why white?

Many people have puzzled about my propensity for painting models white. Not least me.

painting-21.jpg

“Is it innocence?” – usually the first question.
To which I invariably reply: “No, not innocence”

It’s something to do with permanence and timelessness. With the essence of the figure as a symbol rather than the personality of the model as an emotion.

white-02b.jpg

Not that a white figure can’t be emotional. When white the emotions are up for grabs, in the control of the photographer, a blank canvas if you like.

white-on-white-19.jpg

“Is it statues?”

It could be statues, yes, with all their power and portent.


Posted by john at December 13, 2007 05:40 PM

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