Sara Birns’s surreal portrait paintings draw the viewer into a mesmerizing world where traditional cues of identity are artfully distorted. By morphing facial features and expressions, Birns captures the fluid essence of human nature, challenging our perceptions of identity and age. Her work invites us to ponder the multifaceted layers of emotion and the constant evolution of personality. Each painting stands as a moment frozen in time, yet perpetually in motion, echoing the internal journey of self-exploration we all undergo. Birns’s approach transcends conventional portraiture, offering a vivid glimpse into the complexity of human existence.
In a dance between reality and imagination, Birns pushes the boundaries of how we define a person. Her portraits do not just depict a visage but attempt to encapsulate the myriad influences and experiences that shape an individual. By obscuring age and blending expressions, Birns highlights the transient nature of personal identity. This creative distortion prompts us to reflect on their own self-awareness and the ever-changing narrative of life. As we journey through her artworks, we are reminded of the intricate tapestry of emotions that define our presence in the world, echoing Birns’s artistic exploration of the nuanced human condition.
I like to tamper and morph the cues that we usually use to recognize a person. Cues such as style, facial features, expressions, and occasionally glimpses into a situation they are in. Human nature is constantly evolving and changing with time and events, equating to the impossibility of fully grasping a person’s character. This is the reason I morph the figures, often obscuring the age. I try to uncover the layers of ever-changing emotions everyone experiences in single moments as we journey to explore ourselves and our influences on this planet.
Sara Birns
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Booooooom).
