This portrait depicts the artist himself, who stares out directly at the viewer, with the same unsentimental scrutiny we imagine he studied himself, both physically and psychologically. It is painted thickly with coarse brushwork in black, white, and reddish tones. His expression appears solemn, with his downturned mouth and dark, wearied eyes with prominent bags beneath them.

Although the artist is better known for painting surreal and imaginary worlds, this piece appears to confront the viewer with the harsh realities of lived experience.

I selected this painting as I thought it had a powerful presence and I was intrigued by how the artist succeeded in expressing darker feelings and emotions through his painterly techniques.