JUDAS (Series – consisting of 6 drawings) Medium: Charcoal drawings on Fabriano Academia paper Dimensions: 150 cm x 200 cm (each) Date: 2013/2014 These drawings consist out of a series of six progressive self-portraits - the self is reflected in and through the other, and in this particular case, the mythical character of “Judas”. The name “Judas” refers to the words “dagger man” as well as the colour “red”. Through personal, emotional responses during the drawing process, evident in the brushstrokes, these drawings could be regarded as a means of literally attempting to “exorcise” the character of “Judas” from within the self through association with his character on a psychological and spiritual level. Furthermore, the Biblical account of “Judas” explores the notion of deception, betrayal, guilt and the inherent potential and conflict between “good” and “evil” residing within human nature. Notions related to being and becoming as well as a longing towards eventual transformation (related to an alchemical process) was explored through these successive drawings. Furthermore, notions related to “performance art” are explored during the making process of these drawings and they were produced from initial performances, in which case, successive photographs of the self was taken as initial reference from which these drawings evolved. The underlying allusiveness and ungraspable elements of the self are explored through the actual brushstrokes and the appearing and disappearing imagery becoming almost abstract landscapes disappearing into a sense of “nothingness”… For viewing of my other artwork, please refer to my personal website - http://mariekekruger.com