TIRED DAD WITH END OF LIFE PAPERWORK
$345
I set out on a PhD journey, with a focus on promoting a “life is short -Carpe diem” attitude to life. In a twist of fate, my Dad became unwell halfway through my studies. To help process, I started painting portraits of him. That personal journey ended up being weaved into my exegesis. My research and artwork reimagines memento mori for contemporary times. This piece is one of many, from a series that were in honour of Dad’s passing and capture some of his story of battle with dementia.
This portrait is painted over a collaged background of end-of-life paperwork. I worked from a photo Mum had sent where Dad just looked so tired. He was still handsome, with the etched lines telling many stories, and with piercing blue eyes. Even though these eyes were becoming more distant, they were still mesmerising
Bitumen paint and collage on canvas
90 x 121cm
Artist Statement: Debbie Walter is a practicing artist completing a Visual arts based PhD this month. She has a 25 year exhibition history, including solo shows, a national traveling exhibition and work curated in Osaka Japan. She has presented in international conferences including Auckland New Zealand and Tokyo Japan as well as CDU conferences and other local and interstate artist talks. For over 20 years she has shared her love of art, teaching as a specialist Visual arts teacher in secondary, VET, and the Tertiary sector.
https://www.instagram.com/debdesignwalter/
Contact Tactile Arts on 08 8981 6616 or admin@tactilearts.org.au to purchase.
