Self Portrait with Hat 1920

Curator: Today, we're looking at "Self Portrait with Hat," an oil painting dating back to 1920 by Émilie Charmy. It's a striking example of modern portraiture. What's your immediate reaction to this piece? Artist: Well, she seems to have this incredibly intense gaze. And the colors, mostly blues and tans, create a surprisingly intimate mood, despite what feels like the formality of a posed portrait. It's as if she's letting you in on a secret. Curator: Exactly. Consider the historical context: Charmy was a contemporary of many male modernists. Examining her use of oil paint, you can see the labor involved in applying each brushstroke, building up layers. Also note the societal constraints around female artists. This work could be her claiming her place. Artist: I love that. And speaking of brushstrokes, they're so free and expressive. There is no hiding, like she is right there in front of you, raw and immediate, not conforming to academic constraints of perfection. It speaks to an incredible confidence. And maybe a little rebellion? Curator: Absolutely. Her technique underscores that resistance. There’s a rejection of polished bourgeois portraiture through visible mark making and somewhat flattened perspective. Also, thinking about the production of garments during this period—the polka dots, the way the clothing drapes—it all speaks to industrial advancements and mass culture shaping identity. Artist: You’re right, there is a nod to modernity in this "Self Portrait with Hat", but on another note I wonder what does that hat mean to her, I'm sure there is symbolism in those details. It almost creates a barrier, adding another layer to decipher, doesn’t it? Or maybe it was just a Tuesday. I suppose what fascinates me is the mix of strength and vulnerability. Curator: Indeed. The materiality and social context enhance those elements you feel. It really urges a critical look at the dynamics between artist, artwork, and audience. It allows a greater understanding of the production. Artist: For me it serves as a reminder of the personal story every work tells through brushstrokes. The beauty of the human spirit shining through despite any external and internal obstacles.