Devoid But Beautiful

“The greyscale composition of this artwork emphasises the muscularity of the model, but leaves a feeling of the subject being drained and perhaps lacking in the vitality of life – this is a purposeful commentary on the paradoxical importance we place as a society on external beauty despite its lack of correlation with the internal beauty and happiness one may feel. The direct gaze of the subject’s eye into the observer’s own may elude a sense of strength or equally the feeling of an internal silent desperation – for at what point, one could ask, does too much strength in life tip over into emotional suffering. Proportions have been exaggerated or deemphasized to play with perspective and guide where the observer’s gaze is likely to first land, with the arm, lower abdomen and glutes relatively enlarged, and the upper back, pec and face relatively reduced.”

Charcoal on paper, 56cm x 76cm (nearly life sized), 2025