Drawing in the life room

Study of Ash, graphite on paper, Irene Rajagopal, 2025

While painting from life, my thoughts often drift—falling into the depths of memory or wandering toward distant horizons. On one hand, I am focused, intently observing the model before me; on the other, I feel the presence of people who have moved through my life. In English, figure drawing is held in the 'life room'—a term I’ve come to love.

The artist, the model... in this space, we are both vibrantly, undeniably alive.

在人体写生时时候，我的思绪常会飘落在记忆里，也会飘向远方。一边是凝神观察眼前的模特，一边也感受到我生命里曾经出现的人。人体写生在英文里叫life room，我非常喜欢这个词语。

画者、模特，我们都在此刻活生生地存在。