Self-Portrait 1973

This striking self-portrait by Abidin Dino is made using broad strokes of oil paint, a medium traditionally associated with fine art. The earthy palette, dominated by browns and muted yellows, gives the painting a sense of groundedness. You can almost feel the thick texture of the paint applied rapidly to the canvas, with the quick application of the materials revealing Dino’s own sense of urgency and energy. This direct approach allows for a raw and immediate portrayal of the artist, catching his likeness. The intensity of the gaze hints at a deeper exploration of the artist’s identity and the physical act of painting itself. The painting captures not only a likeness, but also the labor and skill involved in its creation. It challenges traditional notions of fine art by emphasizing the importance of material and process in conveying meaning.