Lyn Chapman

My works explore the human experience by rendering paintings, drawings or prints of people or concepts that tell a story of contemporary Australian life, human relationships and the psychological themes that reflect an individual’s inner world.

My works are primarily realistic, and my portraiture aims to capture the sitter’s character, emotions and aspects of their life experience expressed in their body language and demeanour. I work in oil paint on wood panel and canvas, as well as ink and pencil on paper.

Influenced by the masterful techniques of historical artists such as Edgar Degas, Johannes Vermeer, Kathe Kollwitz and Suzanne Valadon, and the bold, evocative approaches of contemporary painters like Eric Fischl and Lucian Freud, I strive to create works that resonate with both historical tradition and modern sensibility. My current body of work addresses the perennial issue of violence against women, referencing historical contexts while offering alternative narratives that seek to empower and illuminate.

Through my art, I aim to provoke thought and foster a deeper understanding of the human condition, inviting viewers to engage with the stories and emotions that define our shared existence.