“Self-Portrait (No.3),” created by Ivan Albright in 1981, exemplifies the Magic Realism movement through its intensely detailed depiction. This artwork, categorized as a self-portrait, showcases the artist’s technical prowess and distinctive style within this genre.
The artwork presents a vivid portrayal of the artist himself, highlighting the remarkable texture and intricacy indicative of Albright’s technique. The subject, likely Albright, is depicted wearing a brown cap, surrounded by deep shadows that accentuate the facial contours and expressions. The use of lighting and texture effectively conveys the aged, weathered appearance of the face, illustrating every wrinkle and fold with meticulous care. The rich, dark hues create a dramatic contrast, which enhances the lifelike quality and emotional depth of the portrait. The attention to detail in the artwork reflects the tenets of Magic Realism, wherein ordinary subjects are rendered with extraordinary realism, evoking a sense of the surreal through their hyperrealistic intricacy.