Reveal 

Adrian Gottlieb, born in 1975, painted 'Reveal' using traditional oil paints on canvas. The smooth, almost porcelain-like quality of the skin is achieved through meticulous layering and blending of pigments. Gottlieb’s engagement with classical techniques is crucial here. He is not simply representing a nude; he's also engaging with a long history of academic painting. The process involves extensive preparation, from stretching the canvas to grinding and mixing paints, each demanding significant time and skill. This harks back to the workshop traditions of the Renaissance. In an era dominated by digital media, Gottlieb’s choice of traditional materials and methods becomes a statement. It elevates the act of painting to a kind of skilled labor, a counterpoint to mass production. The painting is not just an image; it’s a testament to the enduring value of craft in a world that increasingly values speed and disposability. It challenges the distinction between fine art and skilled making, inviting us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the process itself.