The painting "Hunters II" at a glance
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| Title |
“Hunters II” (unique piece) |
| Size |
80 × 170 cm |
| Technique |
Oil paint |
| Medium |
Painting on chipboard, plaster and glue |
| Category |
expressive, contemporary painting |
| Creation |
2005 in Berlin |
| Frame |
Yes |
| Shipping |
1–3 working days |
Expressive portraits about competition and performance pressure
The painting “Hunters II” was created in 2005 in Berlin and is part of my series “Hunters”, in which I explore the themes of competition, assertiveness and rivalry in modern societies.
The image shows an apparent group portrait of two men and two women. Their clothing is reminiscent of business portraits from corporate brochures or press photos of international companies. The four figures appear professional and successful – but on closer inspection, the image begins to change.
The faces of the people are expressively alienated:
These pictorial devices symbolically reinforce qualities such as communication, ambition, alertness and competition. Each figure seems particularly vigilant – as if it had to observe, react and speak all at once.
Although it is a group portrait, no real sense of community emerges. Instead, each person appears highly self-absorbed. The impression arises that there is a constant competition even within the group.
The expressive oil painting intensifies this impression: the faces appear intensely modelled, while the repetitions of eyes and mouths create a slightly surreal tension.
The “Hunters” series
Many of my portrait works from this period belong to the series “Hunters”. In these paintings I deal with people who have to prove themselves in competitive situations – in their profession, in social life or in their personal environment.
The portraits are mostly based on randomly found photographs from media, brochures or advertising materials. These images serve as a starting point for painterly transformation.
Through alienation, repetition of facial elements and expressive use of color, figures emerge that appear both realistic and symbolic at the same time.
You can find more works from this phase here:
→ Series Hunters
More figurative works:
→ figurative painting
Preparation of the painting and the special surface
“Hunters II” was painted on chipboard, which was previously mounted on a stretcher frame.
The painted surface was created in several steps:
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Priming with cement
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Application of a textured surface
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complete sealing with glue
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subsequent oil painting
This combination creates an unusual, stable and slightly relief-like surface that allows for particularly nuanced work with oil paints.
Sources of inspiration for the portraits
The figures in “Hunters II” have no personal or biographical significance. As with many portraits in the “Hunters” series, the source images come from randomly found image material.
Advertising photos, brochures or reportages often show people who are meant to radiate success, competence and professionalism. Some of these images trigger thoughts in me about competition and performance pressure – themes that I then continue to develop in my painting.
Free shipping
Delivery (Wiesbaden and surrounding area) and shipping of the artwork are free of charge.
If required, an individual appointment can be arranged.
During the Hessian school holidays, holiday periods may cause delays. Shipping breaks are announced in the header of the website.
About me – Mark Hellbusch
I have been working as a freelance painter since 1997.
Until around 2007 I worked intensively on expressive figurative painting, which also includes works from the series “Hunters”. Today my focus is more on experimental art and material paintings.
You can learn more about my artistic background here:
→ CV
-> artistic themes
Questions about the painting?
If you have any questions about this artwork or would like additional photos, you can contact me at any time.
📞 Phone: 0176-21916227
✉ Email: markhellbusch@web.de
I usually reply the same day.
