Self portrait JGTK (study), 2025

Oil and flashe on canvas

30 x 40cm

"I grew up in a pub. My mum and dad were running pubs in the 80's and 90s'. The first pub they owned was named SMILE because my father was known for his smile. That is the reason why smiles and teeth are somewhat present in my practice. This particular self portrait is titled "Jakob gave me the key". Jakob was one of my studio mates up in the studio in Mullum and one day we were having a chat and he opened the door for something I did that I could not see and now I cannot stop seeing. Jakob said that this self portrait reminded him of Sydney. The Opera House, the bridge and Luna Park. I unconsciusly drew my self in Australia and Jakob gave me the key." - Stefano Pedrini