NAG 085 Patrick Nagel

The artwork presents a stylized female figure in a predominantly vertical composition. The subject is positioned in profile, her body angled slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of invitation and revealing a significant portion of her back and shoulder. Her gaze is directed outward, suggesting an awareness of being observed.
Here we see a deliberate simplification of form; the artist employs bold outlines and flat planes of color to define the figure’s contours. The palette is restricted primarily to black, white, and shades of grey, with a small area of yellow-gold highlighting the cheekbone and temple. This limited range contributes to a graphic quality reminiscent of screen printing or poster art.
The rendering of the body emphasizes curves and volume, though these are achieved through geometric abstraction rather than realistic depiction. The breasts are rendered as simplified shapes, while the waist is subtly accentuated. The figure’s attire appears to be a form-fitting black garment, possibly a swimsuit or bodysuit, which further streamlines her silhouette.
A strong diagonal line of light cuts across the composition from the upper left corner to the lower right, creating a dynamic visual pathway and adding depth to the otherwise flat plane. This light source also casts subtle shadows that define the contours of the figure’s body.
The overall effect is one of cool detachment and stylized sensuality. The absence of background detail focuses attention entirely on the subject, elevating her to an almost iconic status. Theres a sense of constructed beauty, suggesting a deliberate presentation rather than a spontaneous moment. The work seems to explore themes of femininity, objectification, and the representation of the female form within a modern, graphic aesthetic.