Self-Portrait 1971

This is Evelyne Axell’s compelling self-portrait which uses bold lines and shapes against a flat grey background. The interplay of black and white, punctuated by the fleshy tones of the breasts, creates a visually striking composition that challenges conventional portraiture. The semiotic system within the artwork uses the artist's image as a signifier of self. Axell is not just representing herself, but also exploring themes of female identity and sexuality. The eyeglasses, with their reflective surfaces, act as a sign within a sign, perhaps hinting at a mediated or constructed self-image. The strategic placement of the breasts transforms what could be a straightforward portrait into a statement about female agency and self-expression. Ultimately, the painting destabilizes traditional portrait conventions, using its formal qualities to engage with broader discussions about the representation of women in art and society.