fish seventeen

oil on canvas, 3' x 5', February 2023         [SOLD]

fish seventeen (2023) is a large-scale self-portrait demonstrating personal strength and perseverance using fish as a representation of self. The work visually represents personal tenacity through the use of the literary idiom "fish out of water". Camila illustrates a giant carp as a symbol of courageous vulnerability, persistence, and strength of character. The figure occupies both the caregiving and recipient position as the fish is helpless out of the water; she lovingly caresses the carp with a comforting yet firm grip. The relationship between the subjects creates a vision of tenderness and solace. The subjects are their own within a surrealist backdrop of a dark abandoned room of plastic-covered furniture. A disparity between the scene's tension and the nurturing caress of the human figure incites introspective discomfort through the personal navigation of restlessness and care. The colour palette's deep blues, mauves and greens emphasize an 'aquatic' atmosphere and add to a dreamlike, surreal quality, alongside their complementary colours that reflect the balanced and harmonious relationship between the subjects.