Portrait of Omai rendered in gestural fuschia

Elizabeth Peyton

Mai (Afterlife) after Sir Joshua Reynolds' Portrait of Mai (Omai), 1776

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In support of the National Portrait Gallery in London, Elizabeth Peyton depicts the subject of Reynolds’ eighteenth century portrait in gestural fuchsia.

Reynolds’ original painting portrays Mai – a Pacific Islander from Raiatea who travelled to England in 1773 and became a prominent figure in aristocratic society – at full length, barefoot in flowing robes. In her rendition, Peyton focuses entirely on Mai’s face, which she renders evocatively in loose strokes of oil paint.

Peyton’s artwork has been meticulously translated into a 15-layer, limited edition silkscreen in close collaboration artisan printmakers at Make-Ready in London – one of a pair of editions launched in support of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Re-opening in June 2023, the Gallery's diversified collection focuses on presenting an inclusive and dynamic picture of the people who have contributed to the rich history of the United Kingdom.

Mai (Afterlife) after Sir Joshua Reynolds' Portrait of Mai (Omai), 1776, 2023, silkscreen print © Elizabeth Peyton.

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Behind the scenes

Elizabeth Peyton

3 collaborations

Elizabeth Peyton creates gestural, atmospheric paintings and works on paper that attest to the psychical and emotional depths of the people she paints. Her artworks map out delicate negotiations between beauty, desire, and the pictorial image. Peyton finds feeling in all that she depicts. Whether it's people from her own milieu or figures from history, literature, music or film, she always renders each scene with the intensity of her own particular humanism – a close and loving look at humanity. In each figure's uniqueness, she reveals the universal emotions that connect us to each other and to art, and which stretch from our present moment back through time.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

well done, excellent product and customer service
Review of La Nascita
The work is absolutely stunning! The embossing, thick paper, it impressively captures Condo’s oil gestures and overall vibrance…
Review of Lost in Time
appart from a incredible opportunity to own and enjoy an Ai Weiwei the packaging was exemplary. i have worked pretty much my whole life in the art and museum sector and this impressed me very much, well sone you guys 👍🏻
Review of Guardian
Everything was perfect. I'm impressed how it was packaged. Thank you.
Review of Guardian
what an amazing experience from top to bottom. The best communication, print quality and packing. This is my first time purchasing from you and I look forward to my next purchase.
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
Very happy with the print, shipping, and framing.
Review of HOPE (251-375)
Had a great experience. The Avant Art team was extremely helpful throughout the entire transaction.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
Excellent service, together with an exceptional work of art!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer

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