Collection: Ilse Pahl

Currently I am working on exploring how to represent the female figure in my work by looking at my collection of objects that represent the female form in various narratives. The pose, physical features, material and colour of the objects have influenced the works. I have developed a female character that has evolved from being passive and submissive into an aggressive and powerful figure over a number of works. She wears make up that is painterly and heavily applied on her lashes, eyes and lips. The medium of paint /ink has similar material qualities to make up. The fluidity of the ink has produced an abstract, undefined female figure that transforms the female form from sweet to nightmarish or monstrous. Her physical features resemble a combination of the objects in my collection which are African fetish figures, curios and ceramic ornaments.