Self-Portrait (No.16) 1982

Ivan Albright made this self-portrait in 1982 using oil on canvas, and what strikes me is the honesty in his mark-making, there's no attempt to pretty things up, it's all about the process of seeing and feeling. The paint is laid on thick, almost like textured skin. Look at the area around the eyes – it's a riot of blues, oranges, and yellows, each dab a testament to the complexity of aging and introspection. You can almost feel the weight of time in each stroke. It’s not just about capturing a likeness, it’s about capturing a life lived. I'm reminded a little of Soutine, in the way he uses color to build form, and also how he embraces the raw physicality of paint. Ultimately, this painting celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the ongoing conversation between artists across time.