The Apple 1994

Marlene Dumas' 1994 watercolor on paper, "The Apple," depicts a shadowy figure with its head lowered in a pose of contemplation or sadness. The figure's face is obscured, but a single red patch, possibly a mouth, stands out against the muted tones of the figure's skin. Dumas is known for her figurative paintings that explore themes of identity, mortality, and desire. Her use of watercolor creates a delicate and translucent effect, allowing the artist's brushstrokes to be visible and adding a sense of vulnerability to the figure. "The Apple" is a poignant and evocative work that invites viewers to contemplate the inner world of the subject.