Molly, aged 17
Acrylic paint on canvas
I was drawn to Vincent van Gogh’s raw, emotional style, use of colour and brushwork to express what he was feeling, rather than just what he was seeing. I have kept the bold, textured strokes and exaggerated features that define his portraits, but reimagined the setting and figure in a contemporary context.
In place of Van Gogh, I’ve painted myself stepping into his composition to explore identity and a sense of self. It is about reflecting on how we present ourselves to the
world and how self-portraits can reveal both strength and vulnerability.
The background architecture and the crashing wave are my own additions – symbols of chaos or change – but also a nod to Van Gogh’s fascination with Japanese prints. The colour palette is my own interpretation, combined with Van Gogh’s love of blues and greens. This piece explores how Van Gogh’s intense, personal style still speaks to us today – not just as history, but as something we can feel and respond to in our own way.