Ayvanna

Ayvanna means "strong, powerful, and beautiful woman". She stands juxtaposed to an intricate swirling background, the result of several paint layers and hours of individual brush strokes. Red and blue create a striking contrast, brought together by a yellow-gold headpiece and pale yellow luminescence.

Color is not the only element providing contrast for this painting. It is also in the stylistic choices. The background is influenced by Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait", 1889, a post-impressionistic design, while the human form harkens back to the static and angular figures represented in ancient Egyptian art. A very unique pairing.