Mathieu Laca is a Montreal-based artist creating “deliciously appalling” oil paintings that transgress the conventions of traditional portraiture. The majority of his recent work focuses on various historical figures throughout the realms of art, literature, philosophy, and science. Whether he’s painting the face of Vincent van Gogh, Franz Kafka, or Frida Kahlo, there are always dense layers of distortion, their heads dissolving into impasto cliffsides and paint splatters, leaving only a luminous eye (or two). Rather than being concerned with realism, Laca’s work is “more about trying to capture the spirit.” Visit Laca’s website and Instagram to keep up with his work.

Images © Mathieu Laca