Starting with a picture of a face, I applied seemingly random images, such as a shisha pipe, a naked lady’s leg and a vintage fan, building up gesture, depth and shape to her features. Even though there could be more than 10 objects on the face, the facial expression of the portrait remained breathtaking. The way I juxtaposed objects on a human face was an experiment for me to challenge the history and concept of portraiture and feminine sexuality in art history. 

After the collages were done, I also produced a pencil drawing identical to the collage. When both pieces were displayed together, one could feel the erotic ambience of both – from the colours of the collage, through the gestures and the fragility of the pencil drawings.

Sweet Little Sixteen I
56 X 76 cm, collage, 2010. Commissioned by the Ingram Collection at the Lightbox, UK.

Sweet Little Sixteen II
56 X 76 cm, pencil on paper, 2010. Commissioned by the Ingram Collection at the Lightbox, UK.

Jenny I
56 X 76 cm, collage, 2011.

Jenny II
56 X 76 cm, collage, 2011.