Kendrick

A portrait of Kendrick Lamar, inspired by the grandeur and opulence of Renaissance portraiture. The fur jacket immediately brought to mind historical depictions of kings and figures of status, with its richness and sense of regality. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to capture the texture of the fur in oil paint, experimenting with layered brushwork to recreate its softness, depth and movement.

Painted on cardboard, the work deliberately contrasts its traditional visual influences with a more unconventional surface. I wanted to move away from the formality typically associated with classical portraiture, allowing the raw, rustic quality of the cardboard to sit alongside the richness of the subject. This painting brings together elements of historical grandeur and contemporary culture.