Hélène Cixous, 2003
Hélène Cixous, 2003
by Jane Bustin (b.1964- )
In contrast to conventional portraitureâs focus on outer appearances, Bustin is concerned with the psychological identity of her sitters and in making visible that which is unseen.
This portrait of the French feminist experimental writer, Hélène Cixous (b.1937) is one of a series of 8. In them Bustin explored the idea of inner âblacknessâ in relation to her sitters, including a self portrait, a composer, a scientist and a theologian, amongst others.
She likened the process of making them as a correspondence between herself and her subjects, exploring their personal perceptions and sense of blackness through the exchange of conversation and letters.
Despite the apparent lack of reference to outer appearances there are specific links to traditional portrait norms in the life-size scale Bustin chose. Each of the series was made to match the exact height and shoulder width of the sitter, forming a diptych of two long, vertical panels. Through subtle variations of support material, colour of black, and the finish chosen for each work, she attempts to convey the sitterâs feelings about their inner blackness.
Oil on wood and oil on cotton.
Purchased through the Contemporary Art Society Special Collection Scheme with Lottery funding from the Arts Council England, 2004.
