White Man

D’Abrande Ngoka

Year 11

School: Canning Vale College

Medium: Oil on board

Artist statement: My artwork White Man is a portrait of my father and a piece that is meant to explore the difficulties associated with acceptance between those of differing ethnicity. The title was chosen as an obvious contradiction to the Congolese descent of my father, who is depicted in the artwork. He stand, defeated, facing the viewer, wearing a suit that ensures he conforms to Western norms, fitting in by leaving himself behind. I have taken inspiration from Gerhard Richter by combining realistic and distorted qualities in my artwork. My father is clearly visible; he is himself, he cannot hide this. However his attire is less defined and hazy, emphasising the facade of conformity and acceptance he brings.