Visage explores one of the foundations of painting, the portrait, balancing the focus between the formal elements of the work with the represented image. Visage attempts to resolve the split between media and image where the illusory nature of representation attempts to trick the eye. Instead of using the graphite and paint to create a likeness of the subject, I actively put emphasis on the media used in an effort to bring illusion and form together. At times hair, a cheek or an eye are rendered illusions in the drawing, yet a nearby swath of paint often covers part of the flesh, undermining the perceived image and bringing these two elements into the same space.