The Backbone, oil on canvas, Annika Kapral, 2020
I've always been very interested in the human form. I think it grabs my attention because humans are such diverse creatures. There are all sorts of different shapes, sizes, colours, and personalities that make everybody unique.
Making art has helped me express myself and create things I am proud of. It has shown me what an abstract world we live in and how creative every person's mind can be. I make art to open myself up to new concepts and express the ways I see the world, the things around me, and myself.
I wanted this piece to highlight the spine and lead the viewer's eyes along the back of the subject. I chose to focus on the spine because without it, we simply can’t live. It provides support for our bodies and helps the rest of our body function properly. It’s a part of our body that usually goes unappreciated even though it allows us to live a free life, and gives us the opportunity to walk, run and move in general.