The Valpinçon Playlist
Inspired by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres’ iconic ‘The Valpinçon Bather’ painting (1808), which is a tour de force in shading and hue, I considered the exquisite simplicity of this piece alone reason enough to create my own version.The original is so sensitive and so intimate, I did not want my version loaded with graffiti, as with ‘St Narcissus’ and ‘Sweet Venus’. The inclusion of Mickey Mouse was a very last minute decision and seemed to be a good counterpoint to the gentle dignity of the subject.The fact that he is whistling also reflects the model, listening to iTunes through her Bose headphones. The organic tattoo on her lower back is, again, understated, but brings this image unmistakably into modern times. I was quite pleased that it appears as if
she is looking at the Disney rodent while he whistles, as though they are sharing this incongruous moment of levity. Any deeper narrative could be sought from asking the question, who is she and what is she listening to? This secret playlist is just that, unknown, and we can only imagine. I like to think that she is lost in her own world, enjoying tracks that would have seemed unimaginable in the times in which she is living.
Oil on Canvas | 66cm x 66cm
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