HIDDEN FACES
The 2023 Victorian Salon des Refusés
This portrait was submitted to the 2021 Portia Geach.
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Cat#23 Sharon Monagle
GRAHAM JONES - He Speaks with his Hands and in Colour Acrylic on Canvas 120 w x 150 h cm NFS Artist’s Statement My portrait depicts artist, musician and award winning designer, Graham Jones. An incredible storyteller, Graham makes generous use of broad, erratic and often elaborate hand gestures to emphasise and punctuate. His long spidery fingers are fascinating to watch…he has often been asked about his Italian heritage. He has none. The portrait (and its title) reference Graham’s vivacity – his incredible presence and warmth. He is a person who engages deeply with those around him, sharing stories with enthusiasm and joy – but also listening quietly and intently. In a single portrait it is not possible to say all that I wanted to say about Graham: his life has been extraordinary – he is accomplished in many fields, has enjoyed great love and suffered immense trauma and tragic loss. Graham sat for me at my home on the Mornington Peninsula. I worked from sketches and photographs, hoping to capture his energy and his vulnerabilty, infusing the painting with warmth but also positioning the central character amongst darkness and turbulence. |