Ryan Hewett South Africa, b. 1979

South African painter Ryan Hewett draws on notions of Cubism to create his large-scale portraits constructed with layers of impasto. Working intuitively, Hewett takes on an introspective approach to portraiture, delving into themes such as memory and imagination, whilst taking note of Surrealist styles and artists like Francis Bacon. Using painting techniques that involve a paint roller and a palette knife, the artist creates thoughtful abstract works in deeply hued-colors. Described by critic and curator Edward Lucie-Smith as 'one of South Africa’s most distinguished painters today', Ryan Hewett is renowned for his brooding and evocative paintings. Yet his portraits are...