Figurehead "Marie" c. 1937

Ingrid Selmer-Larsen created "Figurehead 'Marie'," a delicate watercolour that captures the essence of a classical sculpture. The artist’s choice of a cool, blue background sets off the creamy white of the figure, giving it a ghostly presence. The form is what truly speaks to us here. Selmer-Larsen’s subtle brushstrokes lend a tangible texture to Marie’s dress, suggesting the folds of fabric and the weight of stone with equal measure. The figure's upward gaze hints at a narrative, yet it remains elusive, prompting questions about her story. Ingrid Selmer-Larsen’s work resides in the space between representation and abstraction. The artist challenges fixed meanings by highlighting the interplay between light and shadow. We find that the semiotic system of signs encourages ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.