Am I the Third One?

Am I the Third One? This is a painting of the cosplayer identifying as Zio_cos dressed as the character Rei Ayanami, pilot of Eva unit 00 from the Japanese animated series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

One of two similar portraits this work explores the nature of identity and agency. The model in choosing to embrace this character is making a statement about how they may see themselves and who they wish to be. The character of Rei is known for her doll-like behavior and emotionless compliance throughout the series, seemingly sacrificing herself at least twice; hence the question Am I the Third One? This however leads to the character's final move to self determination and emancipation, a sense of legitimacy not reliant on the approval of others. One can see the duality here, that in embracing the character of the doll, the cosplayer Zio also embraces the freedom to be who they want to be.

This duality has been lovingly rendered in oils by Tom Hermann to give as much fidelity to the cosplayer and costume as the cosplayer given to the character. The realism of the painting invites the viewer to spend time with the piece, to see how carefully prepared the costume has been put together and to contemplate the thoughts of the subject.

Presented in oils on a prepared canvas surface. This surface has been gessoed and sanded multiple times by the artist to generate a smooth regular surface to take the paint. The work has been finished with a natural oak timber frame to delicately compliment the image.