About the Painting:

The choice to have a dark background is a  deliberate decision to eliminate distractions and focus the viewer’s attention solely on the subject. This minimalistic approach allows for a heightened emotional impact, as the viewer is drawn to the subject’s face and expression without being influenced by extraneous details. The subject (here, the artist’s sister) stares confidently and directly at us, the viewers.  What does her gaze portray to you? How do you experience the interaction between subject and viewer?