The artwork titled “Study for Artist and Model” was created by Kent Monkman in 2003. It is recognized for its significance within Postcolonial and Queer art movements, and it fits within the genres of figurative art and nude painting (nu). This piece exemplifies the engagement with cultural and gender themes that are characteristic of Monkman’s broader oeuvre.
In the artwork, there is a juxtaposition of two primary figures set against a backdrop of a lush, natural landscape. On the left, we observe a nude male figure poised on what appears to be a traditional artist’s model stand, his posture suggesting a mix of relaxation and contemplation. He is positioned among the rocks and trees, surrounded by the trappings of artistic pursuit such as a palette, paint tubes, and a box, which are situated on the ground beside him. The nude model holds brushes, instantly connecting him with the act of painting despite his usual role as the subject.
To the right stands another figure, a character bedecked with a feather headdress and a vibrant pink cloth draped around the lower body. This figure is in the act of painting onto a canvas supported by an easel, with their back turned to the viewer. The positioning of the figures creates a dynamic where the traditionally passive model is now actively engaged in the creation of art, while the clothed figure assumes the role of the subject being painted, defying conventional expectations.
The natural setting, bathed in a serene light that suggests either dawn or dusk, adds a timeless and contemplative quality to the scene. There is an air of quietude, with the landscape comprising varying shades of greens and earth tones that create a harmonious contrast with the figures. The artwork invites reflection on the power dynamics between artist and model, the reimagining of historical narratives, and the ongoing discourse on identity and representation.
