Like Water for Flowers
“Rotten to the Core”
Portrait of Veronica
Referencing the painting, “Bacchus”, by Caravaggio (1596)
“Rotten to the Core”, Portrait of Veronica by DeVaughn Jerrell (2025)
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graphite on 22" x 30" arches hot press paper (300lbs, 640gsm)
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close attention to detail
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still life of rotten fruit within portrait
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grapes and dead leaves atop lively curls
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deep shadows creating strong contrast
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masterful approach to texture & lighting
Named after Lexa Gates’, “Rotten to the Core”, a raunchy rap tune where Lexa repeats the lyrics, “actin’ like I’m sweet you know I’m rotten to the core”.
These lyrics specifically add a layer to Veronica’s portrait by bringing attention to the bowl of rotten fruit; attracting the viewers eyes to the subtle flaws that lie within this seemingly seductive offering.
