“Drawing Pain – Self Portrait” is an evocative artwork by Abidin Dino, created in 1967 and firmly rooted in the Expressionist movement. This self-portrait is a quintessential example of the genre, wherein the artist has rendered his emotional state and inner turmoil through the expressive use of form and color.
The artwork potently conveys a sense of unrest and intensity. At the forefront, the subject, presumably the artist himself, appears deeply afflicted, with his features exaggerated and contorted to display an essence of suffering or anguish. His gaze does not meet the viewer, adding a level of introspection and separation. The lines seem to be drawn with a hurried passion, and the use of contrasting colors highlights the emotional discord conveyed by the portrait. The striking orange background further amplifies the sense of turmoil, as it clashes against the cooler tones used to depict the figure. The inclusion of the cigarette, with smoke unfurling into the air, could also be symbolic, suggesting the subject’s attempt to find solace or escape through this act. It’s a testament to Dino’s ability to channel his emotional experiences onto canvas, an attribute that is emblematic of Expressionist art.