The Caras Collection

Exploring Identity Through Rhythmic Layers

I'm thrilled to share my newest collection of portraits, 'Caras,' a project that has been a personal exploration into the complexity of the human anatomy. Following my previous portraiture themes, 'Caras' (which means 'Faces') continues my fascination with the human face as a canvas for the inner world. However, with this collection, I wanted to push the boundaries on how I represent emotion and identity, moving far beyond mere surface likeness. This collection, in particular, is a compelling exploration articulated through my most distinct visual language yet.

Building the Inner Landscape with Mixed Media

In 'Caras,' I've aimed to go beyond representation. For me, a portrait should be a topographical map of the subject’s inner life. To achieve this, I heavily incorporated mixed media, meticulously building rhythmic, almost vibrational patterns directly onto the surface of the canvas.

These layers—of paint, acrylic, oil, and various traditional art mediums—are not just background texture. They are integral to the emotional core of the piece. I treat these layers like archaeological strata, where the build-up of material contributes dramatically to the overall texture and emotional expression of the subject. I want you, the viewer, to sense the weight, the history, and the complexity embedded in the material itself, mirroring the multi-layered nature of every human experience. The physical act of layering and building the surface is a conversation with the subject, where their emotional reality is rendered tangible.

Conceptual Portraits on a Large Scale

A critical element in this collection is the scale. These are large canvas portraits, a deliberate choice that transforms the viewing experience. By working big, the subjects cease to be observed from a distance; they become commanding presences that engage the viewer in an immediate, intimate, and often confronting dialogue.

This scale is crucial to my goal of conceptual portraiture. It allows the internal narratives I am depicting to feel environmental and undeniable. When standing before a 'Caras' piece, the subject's emotion and the intricate textural detail—the psychological mapping—are amplified, forcing the viewer to confront the complexity of the identity laid bare on the canvas.

See the video about the Caras Collection

The Rhythmic Patterns: A Visual Counterpoint

One of the defining features you will notice in 'Caras' is the deliberate use of rhythmic vertical patterns. This was a conscious choice and a key technical experiment for this series. These lines are not precise, non-architectural, and are integrated to introduce a signature visual tension.

My intention was never for these lines to distract; rather, they are meant to act as a visual counterpoint, complementing the organic forms of the subject. Conceptually, I see these vertical rhythms as frameworks—perhaps representing the invisible forces or the emotional structures that support the subject’s outer appearance. By placing them alongside the face, they subtly enhance the portrayal of emotions, providing a unique energy that prevents the portrait from settling into a straightforward representation. They are a defining element of my aesthetic and, I believe, key to unlocking the true narrative of the collection. They introduce an almost musical quality, where the subject's expression plays out against a steady, vibrating beat.

My Philosophy: Translating the Internal Vision

As a contemporary multidisciplinary artist, my broader artistic philosophy is centred on the welding of imagination with skillful execution. I see the creation of art not just as a task, but as a profound, intellectual journey. It always begins with an internal vision—an abstract feeling or idea—which is then shaped and refined by my intellect. Crucially, the final execution is always crafted through instinct.

This process is critical when I approach conceptual portraiture. It means that the individuals in 'Caras' are not just people I’ve observed; they are figures I have internalised and then translated. I aim to capture not just a likeness, but the essential, unseeable essence of the individual. I want these works to feel conceptually deep, capturing them in a way that only texture, scale, and rhythmic abstraction can achieve. By allowing instinct to guide the final brushstrokes, I ensure that the work retains a raw, unpolished honesty that connects directly with the viewer’s own emotional understanding.

'Caras' is the third chapter in my exploration of the human face, following 'Faccia' and 'Aura', and I believe it is my most texturally rich, emotionally evocative, and conceptually engaging series yet, solidifying my commitment to pushing the boundaries of portraiture. This write-up does not convey the conclusion of the collection but an indication of more 'Caras' to come. I look forward to sharing these deeply unique works with you.

See the Caras Collection