Henrietta Harris, an Auckland based illustrator is the author behind a series of portraits entitled ironically “Hold Still“. Ironically because the faces seem to tear off from the portraits, taking of a personality of their own, or drifting to another place. The portraits, a combination of illustrations and paintings on watercolor and gouaches are, intriguing and impressive in a way that connects to the viewer. It’s hard to define in words what they represent as either one of you views it differently. But there’s definitely something about them – maybe the optical illusion that they create, that keeps you captivated.

As the author herself said it, on her Tumblr account, when asked about the idea behind the series:

They’re about invoking emotion when you look at them, inspiring feelings, stirring a familiar thought. I’d prefer to leave it up to viewer though- it’s always interesting to me what people get from them. I’m not taking the ‘easy way out’, I really do feel this. It’s hard to put into words which is why I will stop.

Congratulations Henrietta for this wonderful series! Below you can enjoy some selections of the portraits. Inspiring any thoughts to you? Or is this series one of those you would just contemplate silently?

Illustrations by Henrietta Harris