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Self Portrait With Dogwood by Doris Lessing: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Expression

Alec Hayes

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A Self Portrait Of Doris Lessing, An Elderly Woman With White Hair, Wearing A Blue Dress And Holding A Branch Of Blooming Dogwood Flowers. She Is Seated In A Chair, Her Face Turned Slightly To The Side, And Her Expression Is Pensive And Introspective. Self Portrait With Dogwood Doris Lessing

Self-Portrait with Dogwood

by Doris Lessing

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1237 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	264 pages

Doris Lessing's Self Portrait With Dogwood is a powerful and evocative work of art that offers a glimpse into the artist's inner world. Painted in 1976, the portrait captures Lessing at a pivotal moment in her life and career. Through the use of symbolism, composition, and personal references, Lessing invites viewers to explore themes of identity, memory, and the creative process.

Symbolism

The title of the painting itself suggests the importance of symbolism in Lessing's work. The dogwood flower, a symbol of rebirth and renewal, is a recurring motif in Lessing's writing. In the context of the self-portrait, the dogwood can be seen as a representation of Lessing's own journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.

The blue dress worn by Lessing also carries symbolic significance. Blue is often associated with creativity, intuition, and the subconscious. In this case, the blue dress may represent Lessing's willingness to delve into her own psyche and explore the depths of her artistic potential.

Composition

The composition of the painting is carefully orchestrated to draw the viewer's attention to Lessing's face. She is seated in a chair, her body turned slightly to the side. Her eyes gaze out at the viewer with a mixture of vulnerability and strength. The simplicity of the composition and the lack of a background help to focus the viewer's attention on Lessing's presence and the emotions conveyed in her expression.

Personal References

Self Portrait With Dogwood is not simply a representation of Lessing's physical likeness. It is also a deeply personal work that reflects her own experiences and beliefs.

The dogwood flower, for example, holds particular significance for Lessing. In her memoir, Walking in the Shade, she writes about her childhood in Africa and her fascination with the dogwood trees that grew in her grandmother's garden. For Lessing, the dogwood became a symbol of her connection to her African roots and her own sense of identity.

Legacy

Self Portrait With Dogwood has become one of Lessing's most iconic works. It is a powerful and moving self-portrait that captures the essence of a remarkable artist and writer. The painting not only provides a glimpse into Lessing's own journey of self-discovery, but it also invites viewers to reflect on their own sense of identity and their own creative potential.

Doris Lessing's Self Portrait With Dogwood is a masterpiece of self-portraiture. It is a work that transcends the boundaries of time and culture, and it continues to inspire and resonate with viewers to this day. Through its use of symbolism, composition, and personal references, the painting offers a poignant and introspective exploration of identity, memory, and the creative process.

Self-Portrait with Dogwood

by Doris Lessing

5 out of 5