ARTWORK DETAILS

Phoebe Ngai
Under The Surface Painting
Oil painting of a girl's head and shoulders partially submerged under water.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Who am I?” We all ask this question throughout our life. However, not everyone has a clear answer to it, especially during adolescence when things are always changing. This transition from childhood to adulthood is an unavoidable contemporary challenge. 'Under the Surface' explores the alternate perspective of looking inside yourself, rather than focusing on what we see on and around us. Our identities are always changing and evolving over time, but just like the ocean, what is reflected back at us does not always match the reality. Take a step back and observe what is under the surface in you.

ARTWORK PROCESS

Phoebe took reference images by submerging her face under water. She experimented with oil paints and composition before painting the self portrait.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Phoebe Ngai

Phoebe Ngai is a Sunshine Coast student and artist with a love for drawing and painting. She hopes to complete further studies in Art when she graduates from high school.