This is my version of Ophelia, a subject depicted by many artists throughout history. This artwork won first place in the 19th D2 Challenge, “Pigment to Pixel.” The goal of the challenge was to reinterpret a traditional painting by adding a contemporary twist and a personal touch.
I chose Friedrich Heyser’s painting as my main reference, but I also wanted to expand the shot and show more of the surrounding environment. For this reason, I used John Millais’s painting as a reference for the plants that surround the character. I did my best to include all the flowers and natural elements that symbolize Ophelia’s pain and struggle, but this time I wanted to add a contemporary twist to the narrative: I like to imagine that, in this picture, she is not drowning but she is simply in love, sunbathing, and listening to her favorite song, despite all the sadness and tragedy in her life.
I admit that listening to “The Fate of Ophelia” by Taylor Swift on repeat had a strong influence on me, and the glittery orange heart on the phone is a reference to her latest album. In this sense, this is Ophelia listening to Ophelia.
Created with 3ds Max, ZBrush, Quixel Megascans and Substance Painter.
Rendered with Chaos Corona.
@Post-produced in Photoshop, with touches of Magnific on the character.