Held in Light

Oil on canvas, 144 × 107 cm (unstretched)

I was drawn to the contrast between the cool blue tones of the fabric and the warmth of the figure, and the way light moves across both.

The drapery became an important part of the painting, creating a contrast between softness and structure, transparency and weight. I wanted to explore how light could describe the figure without needing to define every detail, allowing some areas to emerge clearly while others dissolve into shadow.

There is also a tension between what is revealed and what remains concealed. The fabric partially covers the figure, creating a sense of vulnerability and protection at once. It made me consider the ways we reveal ourselves to the world while still holding parts of ourselves back, and how much can be communicated without everything being visible.

The painting became a study in restraint, simplifying the composition to focus on the relationship between light, form and colour. Rather than adding more, I wanted to see how much could be expressed through these elements alone.

Perhaps the painting speaks to the experience of simply being, without the need to explain or resolve everything. The figure exists within the composition without a clear narrative, leaving space for the viewer to bring their own interpretation to the work.

See the making of this artwork here