RUAN HUISAMEN

The term realism is difficult to define. Facades of flawless radiance pervade copious depictions of human beings in mainstream media, transforming humans into Gods as is de rigueur in society. Rather than conceal, I intensify the features on one's face, attempting to draw out my subject's vulnerability, and to an extent, their humanity. I use photographs as reference points, not to create realistic reproductions, but rather stylistic representations. Backgrounds are kept minimal, so as not to divert attention from the subject. I never try to proselytize the viewer, I only ask them to observe. Born in 1991, Ruan currently lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa.