Memory Series #1, Adele Knowler, 2022, oil on birchwood, 8 x 8 in. / 20.32 x 20.32 cm.

Adele Knowler's Portraits: Reflections on the Façade and Beyond

Adele Knowler's 2023 oil on canvas collection is a profound study of the human psyche.

Adele Knowler is an artist known for her expressive oil portraits that delve into themes of identity, self-perception, and the masks we wear.

Through "In Your Face," "Over My Shoulder," and "Maria 2," she examines the multifaceted nature of self-perception and the dichotomy between our public personas and private selves.

In Your Face, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
In Your Face
, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.

"In Your Face" is a riveting portrayal of the masks we wear. The subject's direct gaze, accentuated by a stark contrast of shadows and light, challenges the viewer to look beyond the superficial. Knowler's use of oil paint emphasizes the intensity of the veneer we present to the world, while subtle hints in the eyes reveal the depth of our concealed vulnerabilities.

Over My Shoulder, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 30 x 42 in. / 76.2 x 106.68 cm.
Over My Shoulder
, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 30 x 42 in. / 76.2 x 106.68 cm.

"Over My Shoulder" captures the perpetual unease of being scrutinized by unseen eyes. The subject's sideward glance, wrapped in shades of contemplation, embodies our innermost apprehensions. Knowler's layered brushwork in this piece perfectly conveys the complexity of human emotions and the ever-present shadows of doubt that linger just out of view.

Maria 2, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
Maria 2
, Adele Knowler, 2023, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.

In "Maria 2," there is a palpable tension between outward assurance and internal turmoil. The subject's confident pose juxtaposed with a questioning gaze encapsulates the constant inner dialogue of self-assessment. Knowler’s deft manipulation of color and form illustrates the struggle between how we wish to be seen and our true selves.

Adele Knowler's paintings are a captivating exploration of identity and self-awareness. Her ability to capture the essence of human emotion through expressive faces invites viewers to reflect on their own facades. Each canvas is a mirror to the soul, revealing the universal struggle between the faces we show the world and the truths we conceal.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Memory Series #1, Adele Knowler, 2022, oil on birchwood, 8 x 8 in. / 20.32 x 20.32 cm.
Memory Series #1
, Adele Knowler, 2022, oil on birchwood, 8 x 8 in. / 20.32 x 20.32 cm.

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