Last updated: 19 Dec 2024
The Girl in a Red Hat (1)
1981-1983
Brush and paper
Watercolour
Portrait
Impressionism
This was done from a postcard the one of my friends (Simin) gave to me.
1. Medium: Watercolor on paper
2. Shapes and objects: A portrait of a person wearing a large, wide-brimmed red hat that obscures the upper part of their face. The subject is wearing a blue collared shirt or jacket with a black and white patterned vest or scarf. There's a red necklace visible at the neck. The background features a floral pattern, suggesting wallpaper or fabric.
3. Colours: Vibrant red for the hat. Blue for the shirt/jacket. Black and white for the patterned vest/scarf. Red for the necklace. The background uses muted greens, pinks, and browns for the floral pattern. The face, though partially obscured, shows natural skin tones.
4. Narrative: This painting presents an intriguing portrait that plays with the concept of revelation and concealment. The large hat, while a striking fashion statement, also serves to hide much of the subject's face, creating an air of mystery. The colorful clothing and accessories suggest a bold, stylish individual. The floral background adds a decorative, perhaps domestic element to the scene. Overall, the painting evokes a sense of intrigue and invites the viewer to imagine the personality behind the partially hidden face.
5. Original Artist: While this is an original work by Mehrdad Fahimi, the style and subject matter are strongly reminiscent of the portraits painted by Henri Matisse, particularly his works from the 1920s and 1930s. Matisse was known for his use of bold colors, decorative patterns, and often depicted women in elaborate hats.
A comparable work might be Matisse's "Woman with a Hat" (1905), though Fahimi's painting has its own unique elements and a more contemporary feel. Matisse's works can be found in major museums worldwide, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
This painting continues the tradition of modernist portraiture, blending figurative representation with decorative elements. It showcases Fahimi's skill in using bold colors and patterns to create a striking and enigmatic portrait. The painting invites multiple interpretations, playing with ideas of identity, fashion, and the gaze in portraiture.
Details
Type
artwork
Created At
21 May 2023