Black Box

Original Painting by Sarah Albisser

90cm x 90cm x 4cm

Sarah Albisser was born in Switzerland. She completed her studies as a contemporary dancer in 1996 at the Merce Cunningham Studio in New York. Her career as an independent dancer and choreographer includes founding the dance theatre company Waterproof in 2001. The company has had successful performances in Switzerland and International with awards in 2002 and 2003 for her work as a dancer and choreographer. She received a certificate in art from Farbmuehle in lucerne, Switzerland in 2006 and also completed a one year painting cours at the Art Station in Auckland, New Zealand. She has had exhibitions of her work in Switzerland, New Zealand and Los Angeles.

I have been experimenting with black and white portraits over the past ten years. Fascination with faces, expressions, body and gesture has been a lifelong experience for me. In my work I capture feelings, moods and mental states. Our character is reflected through small, individual, unique but significant gestures which can change over time or sometimes even get stronger. In the past I have never used images or photos of faces, most of my portraits are developed through improvisation. Working with the same theme over a long period of time has given me a wider view of possibilities. My work is inspired by strong female characters, who are original, have a powerful presence.