portrait study,’Raven’ 2012

Aaron Nagel’s ‘portrait study, ‘Raven’’, is a contemporary work which fits into our cultural moment of questioning traditional representations of women. The subject’s profile is set against a dark background, an artistic choice which emphasizes her delicate features and fiery hair. Nagel captures the subject's gaze with a precision that invites viewers to consider her inner thoughts and emotions, which is evocative of the shift in art history towards prioritizing women's perspectives. In historical portraiture, women were often passive objects, but Nagel presents Raven with a sense of agency and depth. Her bold hair color defies traditional beauty standards, suggesting a deliberate act of self-expression. This choice reflects a contemporary ethos of individuality, resonating with the viewer through its visual celebration of uniqueness. The unfinished quality of the work further accentuates the idea that identity is an ongoing process, a concept central to contemporary feminist thought.