Strains: A Portrait Series by Chan Seth

In Strains, Chan Seth transcends conventional portraiture, creating a series that delves into the intimate intersection of connection, struggle, and shared humanity. Each artwork, like A Strain of Honesty, is a visceral rendering of the emotions Seth has come to share with his subjects after months of immersive storytelling and introspection.

Employing the impasto technique, Seth builds vibrant, textured layers of acrylic paint, resulting in three-dimensional works that seem to pulse with life. His innovative use of chiaroscuro amplifies the drama, employing a kaleidoscope of colors to express light and shadow like never before. The series dismisses photorealistic portrayals, instead focusing on raw emotional resonance, transforming every brushstroke into a revelation of the subject’s inner turmoil and triumphs.

Strains redefines contemporary portraiture, offering a dramatic and deeply personal exploration of the human experience, imbued with the artist’s unique ability to convey emotion beyond words.