Isabelle

‘Isabelle’ is a portrait of Isabelle Cowan, an artist and dear friend of the painter’s. In 2024, this 120 x 180cm oil painting was selected as a finalist for the 40 Under 40 Art Prize at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre. For more information about the 40 Under 40 Art Prize, please click here.

Izzy meets the viewer’s gaze with a gentle but unwavering stare. She emerges - or submerges - from an abstracted body of water, and is depicted roughly three times larger than life. The sitter has a palpable gravity about her, a presence which is enhanced by the careful placement of a horizon line in the background. When the artwork is viewed upon a wall, this line creates a compelling illusion of depth.

After our eyes are drawn to the face, we quickly notice a fluid rhythm which dances from the water’s surface and up onto Izzy’s body. Because the body is obscured by rippling patterns, it becomes unclear if what we are looking at is liquid or solid. As such, we are given the impression that Izzy is being formed by the water, or instead that she is dissolving into it.

This artwork was created as part of the No Order Magazine Issue 03 exhibition. For more information about this show, please click here.