Nedia Were

Electrica Contemporary, Cape Town

Acquired from the above by the present owner

The Male Figure (2022) is a powerful exploration of identity and presence within contemporary art. This work epitomizes Were’s nuanced approach to figuration, employing both traditional portraiture elements and modern stylistic flourishes to interrogate the human form and its psychological complexity.

The painting commands attention through its bold, direct representation of the male subject—a figure rendered with confident brushwork and a subtle palette that balances earthy tones with restrained highlights. Were’s composition focuses tightly on the front-facing figure, isolating him against an undefined backdrop that emphasizes his corporeal and emotional solidity. The artist conveys a profound immediacy in the subject’s gaze, inviting viewers to engage with the layered themes of vulnerability, strength, and identity.

Nedia Were’s work often delves into the intersections of personal and cultural narratives, and The Male Figure continues this investigation by evoking questions about masculinity within a contemporary context. The painting’s scale and stylistic clarity amplify both the presence and the introspective aura of the figure, situating him within a broader discourse on self-representation and visibility.

The Male Figure reflects the evolving global dialogue around portraiture and identity. Collectors are presented with an opportunity to acquire a work that is not only artistically accomplished but also rich with conceptual resonance, capturing a moment of introspective power in contemporary painting.