‘Nightmares II’ continues my Nightmares series, a body of work born from recurring dreams that began after months of painting highly realistic portraits. In those dreams, I was tormented by an unshakable sense of being watched, judged, and consumed by my own art.
Created with bold acrylic markers in red, blue, black, and white, this piece captures the raw intensity of those visions. The looming eyes and bared teeth reflect the pressure and vulnerability that accompany creative pursuit. Unlike my earlier portraits, which relied on discipline and control, ‘Nightmares II’ was painted instinctively – each mark a direct translation of my inner unrest.
For me, this work is both a confrontation and a release. It transforms fear into expression, turning private torment into something tangible. Within the Nightmares series, it stands as a reminder that the creative process is not only about beauty, but also about wrestling with the shadows that follow us.