Self-Portrait in a White Attire 1914

This self-portrait was painted by Jacek Malczewski, who, judging by his attire, is playing dress-up as an artist. Look at the way the paint is layered; it’s not trying to hide anything. You can see each stroke, each decision. The colour palette is subtle, almost monochromatic, dominated by whites and creams, but it’s those little touches of red that really pop—the headband, the belt, and that splash of paint on his smock. It’s as if he’s bleeding his own creativity onto himself. The way he holds the brush, almost like a weapon, you can see how the act of creation is a battle, a struggle. But the eyes give away the real game—this is pure theatre. Malczewski reminds me of James Ensor, who also liked to play with masks and personas in his work. They both knew that art isn’t about revealing some deep truth but embracing the endless possibilities of make-believe.