Mistress Morphine – Adrenaline Shots 2020

Robert Sammelin made this image of Mistress Morphine sometime in the 20th century, and the limited palette, all those pinks and blues, it has a real process feel. Like he’s exploring the possibilities of colour itself. I’m drawn to the graphic quality and the way he’s not afraid to use strong lines to define the figure. It’s like a comic book, but with a darker edge. The contrast between the sharp lines and the softer, airbrushed tones is also really interesting, that’s what grabs me. It gives the piece a kind of depth and dimension that you wouldn't expect from such a flat image. This piece reminds me a little of the work of Guy Peellaert, another artist who wasn't afraid to mix high and low culture in his imagery. They both seem to understand that art is an ongoing conversation, and that there’s always room for new voices and perspectives.