Title: Louise

Date: 2022

Description: This is a portrait of Louise Bourgeois. I was bearing in mind the sculpture Maman (1999) when I painted it. She is one of the most important artists to me and a heroine of my Ph.D. thesis. In 2000, I saw her installation I Do, I Undo, I Redo presented in the Turbine Hall at the opening of Tate Modern in London. In my painting, Louise has her arms raised. Light emanates from her hands. This is a symbol of victory. In my vision, the artist overcame what was difficult in her life and experienced relief. Behind Louise is shown the planet Venus. The entire composition is supported by two green hands of the goddess. The cinnabar flowers refer to her red gouaches on the theme of motherhood and family life.

Technique, dimension: oil on canvas, 130 × 105 cm

First showing: 2023, Czapski Palace, Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw

Ownership: Monika Waraxa