Esperanza Spalding
Original acrylic painting by Keith Hemsley
About the painting
This intimate and expressive portrait captures the acclaimed jazz musician Esperanza Spalding seemingly lost in the emotion of her performance. With eyes gently closed, she leans towards the microphone while her fingers delicately embrace the strings of her double bass.
Rich, fiery tones of orange, red and deep brown bring warmth and intensity to the composition, while the close-up perspective creates a powerful sense of connection between musician and instrument. Bold brushwork and dramatic contrasts celebrate the passion, sensitivity and extraordinary musical talent of one of contemporary jazz's most distinctive performers.