Luca Cyr

The main question that has guided my sustained investigation is “How can physical appearance express individual identity?”. In individual works, I have used more specific questions like “How does fragmentation represent facets of identity?” and “How can portraits show individuality and personality?”. Throughout my investigation, the amount of different styles and techniques used, such as sewing, beading, surrealism, cubism, and impressionism, is evidence of experimentation and revision to my ideas. Using different techniques has allowed me to explore how each style can show something deeper than surface appearance. One work that had a big influence on my investigation was my cubist self portrait, “Exploration in Cubism”. Not only was it the inspiration for a companion piece for my summer work, but it also created a theme of fragmentation and cubist works throughout the rest of my investigation. This theme of fragmentation or distortion of the human body represents the ideas of physical self-image and self-criticism that modern society inflicts on individuals. Additionally, “Stitched Up” brought the use of mixed media oil paintings into my portfolio. This painting also created a theme in my portfolio and prompted other works such as “Halloween”, “Amelia with Earrings”, and “Lailah with Metallic Makeup”. Because of my experimentation in many styles, I have also begun to create mixed-style works, like “Double Self Portrait”, to unify my portfolio. The use of stitching, fabric, and beads is inspired by my interest in fashion design, which I will be pursuing next year at Parsons College of Design. Fashion is an everyday means of self expression that everyone uses everyday, whether it is conscious or subconscious. Clothing, as well as hair, makeup, and piercings, are all motifs in my work that each viewer can relate to in some way. Finally, the use of surreal qualities is meant to allow each viewer to create a unique and personal meaning behind each painting.