Two self-portraits compose the piece and are placed side-by-side with a white frame around them. A white line separates the two individuals and gives them both a distinct setting that contrasts with each other. Both scenes contain organic lines that outline the human form which stands in contrast to the lines which define the space around and between the two figures. Uneven distribution of space and power can be seen between the two scenes. The portrait on the left has more space in the composition and towers over the right side portrait in scale. The portrait is drawn using a mixture of graphite stick, HB pencil, and Ebony pencil using a blending technique to achieve a smooth texture. The figure on the left carries a peaceful, calm expression on her face bringing lighthearted energy to the portrait. The eyes are closed, not tightly, but resting in a relaxed manner which blocks her gaze from the viewer. It gives the impression that she is unaware of the looked upon and that the viewer is seeing a snapshot of a moment of contentedness. Her head tilts backward slightly in a motion that exposes her neck and elongates her frame, the eyes following from the neck to her arms which rests across her chest.
Though containing the same subject, the portrait on the right stands in direct contrast to the portrait on the left. The right side portrait is placed in a narrower space than the figure on the left giving the impression that the figure is confined. Though confined to a smaller space, the right-side portrait captures attention through its darker tone rather than scale. While the portrait on the left reveals her face to the viewer, the portrait on the right blocks her face with her hands which dominates her scene. The only visible parts of her face being her eye which gives nothing away. The downward tilt of her hair adds to the sense of hiding and lacks the openness of the left-side figure.
Although greatly contrasting in expression and tone, the two figures relate to each through position and subject. They are literally showcasing the same person and focus on the same body parts of the person. Additionally, the lines of the hands and arms line up and follow from on side of the page to the other which merges across the white line that divides the page. In the work, I wanted to explore the concept of openness and closedness and expression. The left side has an openness and vulnerability that the right side lacks. The neck and face are exposed and the subject is blissfully unaware of her surroundings. The right side holds mystery. She is closed off and painfully aware, staring into the gaze of the viewer. She seems to be closing in on herself.
I enjoyed the process of making this piece and the concept of pairs. I believe the areas of success were the face and hands. The proportions seem to be even between the body, face, and hands. I am also proud of the shading of the neck on the left portrait. However, there are areas for improvement. The texture of the hair on the left side portrait lacks the highlights and depth of the hair of the right-side portrait. The nose of the light-side figure could use more blending especially across the bridge of the nose. Though mimics the darkness of the photograph, I wish I had added some highlights to the eye on the right-side portrait to make it more realistic. The draping of the fabric on the t-shirt of the left side figure is a little messy and lacks depth. I intended for the left side to be a bit lighter and I should have used more of the HB pencil rather than the Ebony pencil. Despite the areas of improvement, I would still classify this piece as a success.
