Jenny Saville, b. 1970

It was during the period Saville was still studying at the Glasgow School of Art that she began developing the techniques that were to lead to her world-wide success. Perhaps most obviously in “Self Portrait” we witness her torrential use of paint on canvas, creating textures and contours which turn her flesh and surroundings into undulating landscapes. This heavy surface texture gives the work a confrontational quality, as does the subject matter which makes no attempts at modesty. Saville’s surprised stance makes us feel awkward observing her during such a private act, yet she herself show no signs of embarrassment and makes no effort to conceal herself, but rather stares at us, challenging us to turn away.

Her use of provocative subject matter combined with such traditional media as oil on canvas is what makes Saville’s art so explosive, turning the age-old convention of portraiture on its head.