Rückenfigur

Visitation: Artist at the Window
Collage, 19.5”x 25.5” framed

In naming this collage for a juried show, I came across the term Rückenfigur (translated directly: back-figure). It's a compositional device that uses a foregrounded figure, seen from behind, contemplating the view before them. Often used in German Romanticism, it is a term I had never heard. For me, this collage represents my mother, an artist, at the picture window of her cabin, contemplating the view. Beside her is a messy work table. The work is ethereal in its brushstrokes, which create the window frame and view, and serendipitous that her clothing resembles a paintbrush. Even the messy work table is, well, messy, so ‘artist’ mom.

Other works I have created before knowing this term are, ironically, what I would consider self-portraits. Perhaps a subconscious way of communicating emotion, or drawing attention to my view.

And no, the collage didn't jury into the show, but I share it here with you. :)