Pictures of Inhibition

The inspiration for Pictures of Inhibition derives from a series of portraits by the South Korean artist Kwangho Shin, whose style in this series of oil paintings obscures facial characteristics with swathes of color. The resulting images are intriguing views into the emotional landscape of an individual. To me, this series reveals what is often hidden behind a mask depending on context, surroundings, and social rules. The work begins with a prelude that embodies the feeling of putting on that mask, after which follow nine images. Some pause for reflection after concluding while others flow more or less into one another. Visit the composer's Soundcloud to hear example audio.