Geisha N°23

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

In Geisha N°23, a moment of stillness is captured against a warm golden background. With her gaze gently lowered, the geisha appears momentarily withdrawn from the world around her. Her serene expression creates a refined contrast with the richness of her clothing and the intricate detailing of her traditional hair ornaments.

The portrait is entirely hand-painted and built up through multiple carefully applied layers of acrylic paint. Deep shades of blue and turquoise in the kimono are combined with red and golden accents, while relief and metallic pigments add a tactile dimension to the surface. As the surrounding light changes, different nuances and details emerge, subtly altering the character of the painting throughout the day.

Particular attention has been given to the traditional hairstyle and its elaborate ornaments. Delicate floral elements, cascading decorations and golden details lend the portrait an almost jewel-like richness. In contrast, the geisha’s softly rendered, porcelain-like face remains calm and restrained. It is precisely this interplay between ornament and simplicity, between outward splendour and inner stillness, that defines the atmosphere of the work.

The warm metallic gold background heightens this contrast. Gold gives the composition a timeless, almost iconic presence, while allowing the cool turquoise and deep blue tones to stand out with remarkable intensity. The dark edges, finished with a craquelé effect, create a strong visual frame and further emphasise the handcrafted, tactile character of the painting.

Within Japanese tradition, the geisha is associated with refinement, dedication and the mastery of artistic disciplines. In Geisha N°23, this centuries-old tradition becomes the starting point for a contemporary portrait in which not only beauty, but above all serenity, dignity and quiet strength take centre stage.

A meeting of tradition and contemporary painting — where beauty needs no words.