Portraiture Artist Jeremy Schilling | The White Wall | Oil Painting

Race in America is as complex and heated topic as it has been throughout our countries history. “The White Wall” is a portrait of a man with whom I would have conversations ranging from politics, economy, and race. The title comes from the quote by Zora Neale Hurston ” I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.” We are surrounded by this background on a daily basis, in our home, the office, our child’s school, or the commute to and from work. It is impossible to avoid this high contrast element at some point during our day. This quote is fascinating because it touches on the most basic feeling and emotion that we all experience, the desire for acceptance. Regardless of age, gender, race, or religion, we are all looking to belong, yet feel exposed to some degree.

Much like the quote, aggression is not always outright but can be an ever present reminder in peoples daily lives. Through the application of thick paint, energetic brush strokes, and paint dripping, the background or “white wall” takes on a very aggressive life of its own. The wall is attempting to spill over onto the subject, overtaking him. The textures combine with the unmistakable contrast between dark and light creating a subdued tension.

Contemporary Art

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