Artist Statement:
Glimpses of moments caught in time and fragments of the past are what drives my work. I am moved by the memories and stories told through collected black and white photographs from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Using the photos as a starting point, I paint portraits of people to piece together stories of past lifetimes and to connect to people in the present. Taking an image that has been cherished through the years or those discarded and forgotten, I paint the images on a larger scale giving the moment of reminiscence. The paintings become opportunity for dialog to listen to peoples lived experiences. Leaving the background stark white gives additional space for a story to be pondered and filled with a narrative of what could be and/or what might have been and giving space for connection. Not being able to fully unveil the subjects, their portraits will remain faceless as a continuing questioning of the narrative and identity.
JOSEPHINE LANGBEHN 