Man crying like a wee boy (2020)Oil painting by Rory Mitchell

Based on one of my drawings from 2018, “Man crying like a wee boy” bounces on the head of stereotypes, celebrates the downtrodden and pleads for empathy.
The painting, through the distortion of perspective, line and colour, takes shape in what appears to be a fantastical world. However, the piece is not set in an idealised world; small elements such as a dishevelled rug, a sprawling wire and browning leaves describe everyday details that suggest upheaval.
That the painting hangs itself on reality is important for the narrative. The man’s sadness is unspecified and the artwork instead chooses to communicate a more universal message about grief and tragedy. Such emotions are not dependent on one’s make-up, but instead feed on what one carries in their heart and mind. Tragedy is indiscriminate, a unifier despite its methods. We are all an equal example of the human condition.

Materials used:

Oils

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 60 x 80 x 2cm (unframed) / 60 x 80cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: People and portraits

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