Cristina Burns Visual Artist

Melted: Portraits of Dissolving Identities"

In the provocative series "Melted," I confront the traditional norms of portraiture and identity, presenting an array of female portraits that defy the face's structural sanctity, a universal symbol of individuality. Instead, the faces of the girls and women are artistically dissolved, their recognizable features replaced by a turbulent flow of molten colors, challenging the viewer's perception of identity and form.

Each portrait in "Melted" is both haunting and mesmerizing. Where one anticipates eyes, nose, and mouth, there are instead wild rivulets of colors—vivid reds, soothing blues, bright yellows, and shocking pinks—that cascade down the canvas. The colors, while beautiful, create a sense of unsettlement, a poignant reminder of the unstable and ever-changing nature of human identity.

The series is not just a display of visual or aesthetic alteration. It delves deep into themes of personal identity, the societal pressure for conformity, and the fluidity of the self in the modern world. The 'melting' of features speaks to a loss of individuality amidst societal norms, a commentary on how personalities are often suppressed and molded to fit expected frames. Yet, the vibrant colors also suggest a liberation, a release of a vivid, colorful spirit often hidden beneath the surface facade.

Technically exquisite, the colors seamlessly transition from one to another, suggesting that beneath the skin, a spectrum of unseen emotions, thoughts, and desires exists. The 'faceless' portraits thus force the viewers to confront their biases, expectations, and perceptions of identity.

Ultimately, "Melted" is a powerful, thought-provoking series that challenges the viewer to question and consider the nature of identity beyond the superficial, delving into the abstract realms that define humanity. It's a celebration of diversity, an acknowledgment of internal chaos, and a bold statement on the beauty found within the unconfined and colorful essence of the self.