Lionel Smit (South African, born 1982)


Transparent Behaviour no.3 signed and dated 'Lionel Smit 2013' (lower right)oil on linen120 x 120cm (47 1/4 x 47 1/4in).
|ProvenanceA private collection, London.This painting is one of a series of portraits executed in 2013/4 that explores the theme of transparency. Monumental in size, these works place the human face at the centre of the canvas, frequently filling the entire expanse. These extreme close-ups force the viewer into the sitter's personal space; looking into their eyes, we truly do feel we are looking into their souls. The portraits reveal that we do not need to scratch very deep to penetrate the facade. For the most part, our emotions and inner life are visible in our facial expressions and body language.The application of paint extends the theme of transparency. In this portrait, the young woman's face is depicted in fluid calligraphic strokes that allow the vibrant yellow background to show through.Smit has been a featured artist at Art Miami, USA and been featured on the cover of Christie's F.A.C.E.T Catalogue 2009 in London. Smit's painting Kholiswa won the Viewer's Choice Award at the BP Portrait Award in 2013, exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, London. His work is included in prestigious collections including the Standard Chartered Bank and the Laurence Graff Art Collection at the Graff Delaire wine estate.