Whilst the painting shows the artist, it is not viewed by Cantons as a self portrait. Cantons has stated she is influenced by artists including Jenny Saville and Nan Goldin, and the Roman poet, Catullus, who have all revealed deeply personal narratives as well as using representations of themselves in their work.
The title comes from the Latin, to peel off or shed one’s skin. What are the issues that dictate an individual’s freedom? How do people shape their beliefs? What is the notion of who the individual can be, the connecting and disconnecting psychological boundaries in the relationships we have with ourselves and others? What does it takes to reveal oneself, and come out of the shadows into the light?
