Shroud
​2020

[Imitation gold leaf on polythene]

Part of an on-going body of works, Shroud, uses semi-transparent polythene as a ground for a gilded painting depicting loosely drawn flowers. The motif of five flowers in a coronet formation references the selfie-filter headband popular on social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. In these images the painting takes on a sculptural form, draped over a painters’ easel creating an uncanny effect, which combined with the diaphanous materiality of the polythene lends the piece a ghostly appearance. The materials and imagery referenced in Shroud allude to themes of value, reverence and presence in relation to social media self-portraiture, the role of the artist, the aura of the artwork, and religious icons.