In 2013 a few friends and I from college decided to organise an exhibition of our artwork based on a piece of literature that we were also studying at the time. We chose Rupert Brooke's '1914: The Soldier' to respond to with a piece of art. 10 of us hired a small gallery space in Chealsea and took inspiration from the poem in very different way.

The happiness of acceptance- Holly Hunt

Oils on board

85x128cm

Throughout the ages people of great importance have commissioned portraits to present them as eternally beautiful and immaculate. Although this seems an obvious way in which people would want to be remembered when they die; I do not feel the same way. I really wanted to put an ironic twist on the typical self absorbed portrait historically produced. Much of my inspiration for this piece was from studying the work of Jenny Saville. I find her work to be intimidating in size as she depicts her subjects with fluidity and honesty. In the same way I wish to mimic her techniques and present myself in a very personal way.  The informality that is this painting let's people see the true me, rather than my physical being. I feel that a self portrait with a somewhat comical sense to it is the most appropriate way to depict myself. "if I should die, think only this of me"- I was happy and wish for you to feel the same way; even once I have left this earth.