"Black Venus"
150 x 150 cm, Pastel on paper, 2022
In “Black Venus,” the artist revisits the tradition of classical sculpture and the female nude with a bold, modern sensibility. The central figure, beautifully contoured in black pastel, exudes a quiet strength and striking sensuality. The soft curves and folds of the drapery, executed with remarkable finesse, recall the sculpted Venuses of antiquity, but here reimagined in a powerful monochrome palette that amplifies both the mystery and elegance of the figure.
This contemporary Venus, rendered in deep, nuanced black tones, stands out against a stark white background, creating a striking contrast that draws the eye to the shapes and textures of her body. The choice not to depict facial features or specific details leaves room for a universal interpretation, inviting the viewer to project their own emotions and perceptions onto the work. The figure’s suggestive posture, both vulnerable and confident, embodies a dialogue between intimacy and power, between the classical and the contemporary.
“Black Venus” is an exploration of beauty and diversity, a celebration of femininity in all its forms. Through the use of pastel on paper, the artist succeeds in capturing the softness and richness of textures while challenging traditional conventions of the representation of women in art. This work invites a reflection on ideals of beauty, the diversity of bodies and the timeless resonance of the female figure in visual culture.
