Olympiatlas

Oil and spray paint on canvas with guided frame and plastic toys

31 x 42 in (79 x 107 cm)

About The Artwork

Sheppard’s initial intent was to invert the roles of the persons represented in Manet’s “Olympia”. Beneath the final image, many paintings exist, reflecting his evolving vision. His desire to make a statement about race conflicted with the natural movements of the paintbrush. Relinquishing control, Sheppard allowed the process to unfold organically.

Initially focused on the inversion of black and white, his work evolved into a dynamic interplay of color and line. Olympia’s face both entranced and distracted the artist, as did the delicate rendering of her hand upon her thigh. Inspiration was drawn from female muscle magazines, with notions of beauty and freedom in female strength overwhelming the canvas.