Cubist Self Portrait Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a fragmented portrait rendered in a distinctly Cubist style. The subjects face is deconstructed into geometric planes and sharp angles, disrupting traditional notions of representation. A prominent vertical division bisects the figure, creating two distinct perspectives that are simultaneously presented. One side displays a profile view with a pronounced nose and a suggestion of a receding hairline, while the other reveals a frontal gaze directed towards the viewer.
The color palette is dominated by intense blues and reds, punctuated by areas of dark green and black. These hues contribute to an overall sense of emotional intensity and psychological complexity. The red tones are particularly striking, appearing on portions of the face and hair, suggesting perhaps a heightened awareness or internal turmoil. The blue shades, conversely, seem to convey a feeling of introspection and melancholy.
The artists brushwork is bold and expressive, with visible strokes that add texture and dynamism to the surface. This technique reinforces the fractured nature of the image, emphasizing its departure from realistic depiction. There’s an absence of subtle shading or blending; instead, distinct blocks of color are juxtaposed, creating a sense of visual tension.
Beyond the formal elements, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and perception. The fragmentation of the face suggests a questioning of selfhood – a breakdown of the unified image we typically project. The dual perspectives imply an awareness of multiple facets within a single individual, hinting at inner contradictions or conflicting emotions. The direct gaze from one side conveys a sense of challenge or confrontation, while the profile view might represent a more vulnerable or introspective aspect of the subject’s personality.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure and intensify its presence, drawing attention to the internal struggle suggested by the fragmented form and vibrant color scheme. The overall effect is one of psychological depth and artistic experimentation, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of self-representation.