Self-Portrait, en face I 1945

Helene Schjerfbeck made this self-portrait in oil on canvas using a muted palette. It's a study in reduction, where the essence of a face emerges from careful abbreviation. Look closely, and you'll notice the paint is applied thinly, almost like a stain, allowing the texture of the canvas to peek through, adding a certain rawness to the work. There's an area around the eyes where the paint seems almost scraped away, leaving dark, cavernous hollows. This evokes a sense of weariness, or perhaps a confrontation with mortality. It's a brave act, allowing the imperfections to remain visible, making the work all the more compelling. Schjerfbeck's approach reminds me of the later works of Philip Guston, especially in its commitment to simplicity and emotional honesty. Both artists embraced ambiguity and a process-oriented approach, inviting viewers to bring their own interpretations to the canvas.