2011
Oil On Canvas
36 x 36 in
This captivating oil on canvas painting 1st in line from the Poison fairytales collection masterfully fuses Hollywood iconography with whimsical fairytale elements in a pop art style. The central subject is a stylized female figure evoking Audrey Hepburn’s iconic role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, reimagined as a Disney-esque princess with exaggerated, enchanting features that blend realism and animation.
The composition centers on a bust-length portrait against a moody, gradient gray background that fades into soft, ethereal shadows, creating a sense of introspection and glamour. The woman gazes slightly off-canvas with large, luminous yellow eyes that pop with cartoonish expressiveness wide and almond-shaped, framed by long lashes and subtle brows, imparting a fairytale innocence amid her sophisticated poise. Her skin is rendered in smooth, pale tones with gentle highlights, contrasting the dark, upswept bun of her hair, adorned simply to emphasize elegance. She wears a sleek black sleeveless dress with a high neckline, accented by an intricate, sparkling necklace that appears as a lace-like cascade of pearls or crystals, adding a touch of opulent texture.
In her right hand, she delicately holds a long, slender cigarette holder to her lightly parted pink lips, captured in a moment of sly, knowing smile, while her left arm crosses casually beneath, suggesting relaxed confidence. Brushwork is fluid and layered, with oil glazes building depth in the fabrics and jewelry, while the overall palette remains restraineddominated by cool grays, deep blacks, and flesh tones, punctuated by the vivid accents of her eyes and lips for dramatic focal points.
Ray, known as a visionary storyteller under his NVR Connected moniker, infuses the piece with cultural nostalgia, nodding to classic cinema and fairytale fantasy. This work would make a striking addition to any collection focused on pop culture icons, contemporary portraiture, or hybrid art forms, Its blend of accessibility and sophistication invites viewers to ponder the intersection of reality and myth in celebrity imagery.
 
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