Self-Portrait in Green

Self-Portrait in Green by Rae Sabine

This abstract self-portrait was created in response to a prompt from supervision: to paint what “not nice Rae” looks like.

Rather than depicting a recognisable face, the piece explores identity through colour, movement, and texture. Vibrant strokes of green dominate the canvas, echoing the presence and motion of my bright green hair.

The painting reflects raw energy and presence: shaved sides catching the light, vibrant strands whipping free, colour surging and taking up space, like moshing to music in full release.

Much of my life involves carefully finding ways to speak about things that are harmful to me and the communities I’m part of. Even when approached thoughtfully, that honesty can still be received as “not nice.”

This piece is an exploration of accepting that. The greens push outward, layered with darker tones and restless movement, expressing intensity, protectiveness, and the refusal to shrink.

This is “not nice Rae”: the version of me that holds boundaries, speaks plainly, and asks to be accepted even when that honesty is uncomfortable.

The painting was made intuitively, using hands and layers of colour to follow feeling and instinct in the process.

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