I Saw Myself There

Files

Avila.I Saw Myself There.jpg
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Dublin Core

Title

I Saw Myself There

Subject

LibArt 2025

Description

In this collage portrait, I combine Artemisia Gentileschi’s "Judith Beheading Holofernes" and Caravaggio’s "The Calling of St. Matthew", using colored paper and red glitter to explore themes of justice, identity, and personal awakening. I insert myself into the composition to embody the space between violence and revelation, connecting Gentileschi’s depiction of empowered resistance with Caravaggio’s portrayal of divine calling. The red glitter flows through both narratives, symbolizing blood, transformation, and the emotional intensity of reclaiming power. Each layered piece of paper reinforces the idea that identity is not singular but built through tension, struggle, and reflection. By blending these two Baroque masterpieces with personal symbolism, the collage becomes a visual statement of resilience, purpose, and the ongoing process of self-discovery.

Creator

Samantha Avila
Visual Art major

Date

2025

Rights

Held by Creator

Format

Oil on Canvas, Colored Paper, red glitter
22" X 30"

Citation

Samantha Avila Visual Art major, “I Saw Myself There,” KU Libraries Exhibits, accessed August 1, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.ku.edu/items/show/9588.