Nú feminino 1949

Sa Nogueira made this painting, Nú feminino, and though we don't know exactly when, it feels like a study of form and colour and the joy of exploring the process of painting. The ochre background feels raw, the brushstrokes loose, with no attempt to conceal the artist's hand. The white paint used for the figure is thick, almost sculptural, contrasting with the wash-like quality of the background. Look at the dark lines around the figure. They feel almost accidental, heightening the sense of immediacy. It’s in these small gestures that the painting really comes alive for me. The colours are muted, earthy, and the composition is simple, almost elemental. It reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker, in its directness, and the way it celebrates the female form. Ultimately, the painting embraces ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own interpretations.