Replicating portraits of famous artists: the search for greatness.

A few months ago I was approached by local photographer Tracy Naughton. She had an idea photograph me by replicating old photographs of famous artists. I really had to put on my thinking cap in order to capture some of the expressions.

Evangeline Cachinero_Frida Kahlo ©Tracy Naughton

Evangeline Cachinero_Dali ©Tracy Naughton

The purpose of these photographs is not to get an exact likeness of the original, but to explore notions of grandeur, and how it is that an artist becomes ‘great’. I’m no different than mosts artists; I want to be great.

The shoot was both humbling and empowering. Humbling because it reminds me that I’m only a beginner and I have a long way to go in my practice before I’ve done what I set out to do. It was also empowering because in order to be able to model for the photos I had to adapt strong personalities. Frida had a regal confidence yet fragile. Dali was clever, quick and a little maniacal, and Picasso had a sense of confidence that can only come from knowing  he was great. Walking in their shoes reminded me of my own strength and character.“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Picasso experimented with light paintings in which he used a small light source to make a sketch in the air while photographing with a slow shudder setting. Of course I didn’t want to replicate his sketches; instead I wanted the feeling of a confident and decisive sketch.

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Picasso was taught by his artist father, and by the time he was eleven he could paint like a master. However part of his life’s journey was to let go of pretenses and re-learn that quick, confident stroke that usually comes with being a child. For me, those sort of wild strokes are second nature and my journey is to learn to control those reactionary impulses. It’s like a crazy beast that needs taming. Some people like a crazy beast. I happen to strive for perfect balance. The light paintings are about as impulsive as you can get, so I felt right at home.

I figure I’ll let you Google the originals, just to keep things interesting.

Evangeline Cachinero_Pablo Picasso ©Tracy Naughton

Evangeline Cachinero_Pablo Picasso ©Tracy Naughton

Evangeline Cachinero_Pablo Picasso ©Tracy Naughton

The photographs will be on display at the RIDE exhibition in March. Do come along to show and support your Sunshine Coast artists! The coast has been providing some great shows mixing music and and food and this is one that celebrates the emergence of a real arts scene on the coast.

March 17th, 2012 – Ground Zero Gallery ‘RIDE’
An event to Celebrate ARTS Music & Culture on The Sunshine Coast
Tickets are available through Backbeat Records in Nambour
$10 for a night out – light food will be provided – licensed event 18+