Held In Linen

Held In Linen— Study in Shadow & Withheld Form

This drawing explores vulnerability through absence rather than exposure. The figure is turned away, partially concealed by a draped sheet, allowing shadow to become as active as the body itself. Rather than presenting the subject directly, the composition relies on suggestion—using light, fabric, and negative space to invite a slower, more attentive form of looking.

The work is driven by restraint. Soft transitions between shadow and form obscure clear boundaries, emphasizing privacy and interiority over definition. The drapery functions both as protection and interruption, shaping the figure while withholding full access. Through this balance of concealment and presence, the piece reflects on autonomy, quiet strength, and the tension between being seen and remaining one’s own.