The Story
Size:28 x 34 in.
Lee Ellisās original painting You can blink Collin (24" x 30") is a playful yet unsettling work that exemplifies his ability to fuse wit with darker undertones. The composition presents a portrait that riffs on historical imagery, complete with ruff collar and stylised costume, but subverts expectations through surreal exaggeration. The sitterās wide, cartoon-like eyes dominate the face, giving the figure an oddly comic yet disquieting intensity. A pointed red party hat sits atop his head, introducing a humorous and almost absurd quality, while the patterned green garment and bold yellow geometric shapes enhance the theatricality of the piece.
Ellis often explores themes of identity, tension and absurdity in his practice, using the human figure not as a direct likeness but as a surface on which to experiment with colour, form and emotion. The flat yellow background, interrupted by black lines and angular shapes, further disrupts the sense of traditional portraiture, creating a layered visual language that feels both graphic and painterly.
As a British multi-media artist based in Bristol, Ellis continues to challenge conventions with his inventive use of oils, spray paints and charcoals. You can blink Collin captures his distinctive blend of irreverence, bold colour and expressive character, making it an unforgettable statement in contemporary portraiture.
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Details & Craftsmanship
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Description
Size:28 x 34 in.
Lee Ellisās original painting You can blink Collin (24" x 30") is a playful yet unsettling work that exemplifies his ability to fuse wit with darker undertones. The composition presents a portrait that riffs on historical imagery, complete with ruff collar and stylised costume, but subverts expectations through surreal exaggeration. The sitterās wide, cartoon-like eyes dominate the face, giving the figure an oddly comic yet disquieting intensity. A pointed red party hat sits atop his head, introducing a humorous and almost absurd quality, while the patterned green garment and bold yellow geometric shapes enhance the theatricality of the piece.
Ellis often explores themes of identity, tension and absurdity in his practice, using the human figure not as a direct likeness but as a surface on which to experiment with colour, form and emotion. The flat yellow background, interrupted by black lines and angular shapes, further disrupts the sense of traditional portraiture, creating a layered visual language that feels both graphic and painterly.
As a British multi-media artist based in Bristol, Ellis continues to challenge conventions with his inventive use of oils, spray paints and charcoals. You can blink Collin captures his distinctive blend of irreverence, bold colour and expressive character, making it an unforgettable statement in contemporary portraiture.
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