Model Study 5 2008

Elina Brotherus’ photograph ‘Model Study 5’ stages a figure within the frame of an old mirror. The muted palette and distressed surface speak to an understanding of art-making as a process of layering and revealing. Brotherus uses photography here to explore the conceptual resonances of painting - it’s an interesting conversation. The image is softly lit, but what really draws me in is the texture. Look closely at the horizontal band running across the centre of the mirror, obscuring the figure. It’s not just a crack; it’s a kind of veil, a physical manifestation of time and decay. It’s like the mirror itself is aging, reflecting not just the figure, but its own history, its own vulnerability. The whole piece is reminiscent of Gerhard Richter’s blurred photos that seem to revel in ambiguity. 'Model Study 5' is definitely not about capturing a perfect reflection, it's about embracing imperfection, embracing the layers of meaning that accumulate over time.