http://www.alexameade.com/portfolio.html
This photograph titled “Alexa Split in Two”, shows a pale, red haired, freckled woman who has half of her face painted. The part that is painted is red, orange, and yellow—the three brightest colors of the rainbow. In contrast, the side of her face that is not painted, her natural skin, is painted in the faintest of colors. A lighter, boring, blue color lies in the background of her natural skin tone, and a multi-blue ominous background lies in the background of the half of her face that is painted. If you cover up the half of her painted face, she looks very ordinary, almost timid. If you cover up the natural side of her face, she looks exotic and fierce. The colors that are used were picked to contrast two opposing sides of the model. Also, the angle in which this photograph was taken, only shows the model’s face. This makes the photograph more powerful because the viewer is only focusing on her face and not empty space or an object that could have been in the background.
This photograph is meaningful because it represents “split personality” or “breaking out of your shell”. The model may be in a confusing state of identity. She may have to act timid and contained but yearns to be daring and brave. I think the Alexa Meade paints on top of people’s skin to show their true colors. We should not be confined by the colors that are outwardly present on our skin or appearances. Alexa wants the colors of a person that have been trapped inside to be expressed through her unique art form.
I think the fact that Alexa has many YouTube videos that show her in the process of creating her artwork are very beneficial. If I were to just look at the photograph that I analyzed and had no previous knowledge to the process that goes into the creation of her artwork, it would not be as powerful to me. She has a very unique style to her art and it is very smart of her to publish it on the Internet and through videos, instead of only in an art gallery. I would recommend that people watch her videos before looking at her website because the process in which she goes through to create her pieces is what sets her apart from other artists.
The Official Blog of WRTG 3007, Summer 2012 
I also found this painting to be one of my favorites. I think that it is important to realize her process as well. I feel that without knowing this her paintings are not as meaningful. I think painting on humans as a canvas helps demonstrate either her vulnerability or the vulnerability of what she is trying to portray.
The fact that she proclaims this as her self portrait is very powerful and shows a lot about her willingness to be open to her viewers and audience.
Great post and interpretation of this piece!
This was one of my favorite paintings. I love how you used the term “split personalities,” that is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this picture. Her use of colors on the right side of her face are natural, but yet bright. I also agree with you that the youtube video helped a lot understand many of her paintings better, seeing how they are actually done get you a better appreciation for her art work! great job with this painting analysis!