Portrait Series

The Portrait Series are portraits of Frida Kahlo, Marilyn and Twiggy.

The Frida Kahlo and Marilyn Bill Board Series are portrait series of Frida Kahlo and Marilyn Monroe; a collection of large format canvasses. I created the original series for the Group show ‘Retro Fantastic’ which took place in 2019 at the Dutch Design Hotel Artemis, Amsterdam, Holland.

A photo portrait of Frida Kahlo, both proud and scarred and a fragment of Bert Stern’s photo of Marilyn Monroe from the ‘Last Sitting’ are at the base of the series.

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s portrait series, each work is based on one and the same image. Unlike screen-print, the Bill Board series is produced with transfer techniques. The identical composition is used in all portraits, but each work is original and unique with variations in finish and colour.

The images are mirrored, enlarged and printed, then transferred onto canvas and finished with oil paint and pastels. Rough lines and torn edges, remind the viewer of a worn vintage bill board, yet the overall impression is tranquil and soft.

“The visible torn paper and overlapping layers give a unique depth and dynamism to the image. This juxtaposition of colours and textures underlines the duality between fragility and strength, symbolised by the posture of Frida Kahlo and underlines the homage to an iconic figure, while innovating in the aesthetic interpretation. The result is a captivating and resolutely modern work.”

The Twiggy series is based on the mixed media composition on canvas ‘the Stare’.

At the base of this composition is the iconic image of 16 years old Twiggy (Dame Lesley Lawson) photographed by Barry Lategan in 1966.

Paper is roughly torn which results in a weatherworn aspect, reminding of a poster or a billboard.

The background is composed with several layers of acrylic paint. Paint is added, removed and/or scarred.

The portrait is finished with pencil, pastels and oil paint.

The Stare is reinforced by the dark lines over the left side of the portrait.

The composition is finished in different colours and with specific details to each artwork.

Commissions are possible in different formats:

160 x 160 cm at 3.950 €

120 x 120 cm at 2.950 €

100 x 100 cm at 1.950 €

80 x 80 cm at 950 €

Please feel free to contact me to order or for further information.

About the artist

Marian Williams

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Of all forms of art, Marian prefers to express herself through collage. Her analog compositions combine acrylic paint and oil paint, original illustrations dating from 1900 till today and three dimensional recycled components. The works, influenced by pop art, dadaism and surrealism, show originality and freshness.