In this self-portrait, Edward captures a moment of deep introspection, constructed through layered applications of pinks, salmons, and browns using gestural palette knife strokes. By scratching back into the paint, he emphasizes both form and structure, exposing the rawness beneath the surface. On the left, sharp purple lines suggest the presence of a curtain, while on the right, bold black shapes carve into the face, introducing a fragmented, mask-like quality. This tension between concealment and revelation reflects Edward’s ongoing fascination with theatre and performance, particularly the soliloquy, where a character reveals their innermost self in solitude.
