"Ode to Van Eyck's Self Portrait" by Kleinveld & Julien

ART-006

Presenting "Ode to van Eyck's Self Portrait," a captivating 2012 Ilford gold fibre silk print, is a highlight from the groundbreaking "In Empathy We Trust" series, conceived and brought to life by the collaborative genius of Elizabeth Kleinveld and Epaul Julien, known collectively as E2. This thought-provoking piece, elegantly framed and with a provenance tracing back to the Octavia Art Gallery in New Orleans, Louisiana, before entering a private collection, is a testament to the innovative vision of its creators.

The artwork reimagines the enigmatic "Portrait of a Man in a Turban," widely attributed to Jan van Eyck and considered by many to be a self-portrait of the Flemish master himself. This seminal piece, residing in the National Gallery, is renowned for its detailed depiction and the complex knot of the chaperon, suggesting the intimate self-representation of an artist at work. In this modern rendition, Epaul Julien embodies van Eyck, bridging centuries through a lens that challenges and expands our understanding of identity and representation.

"In Empathy We Trust" seeks to disrupt and diversify the canonical narratives of art history. By reenacting iconic artworks with subjects that span a broad spectrum of race, age, and sexual orientation, E2 not only pays homage to the masters but also ignites a crucial conversation about the pervasive influence of stereotypes in shaping perceptions and fostering discrimination. "Ode to van Eyck's Self Portrait" is not merely a photographic reimagining; it is an invitation to view the past with new eyes, to find empathy within our reinterpretations, and to embrace a more inclusive vision of art's future.