Cosmo ‘Le Chat Noir II’

Giulia Quaresima SGFA | Charcoal and Pastel | 23 x 16.5 inches

Giulia is an Italian portrait and figurative artist living and working in Cambridgeshire, UK.

“My favourite mediums at the moment are charcoal, pastel and coloured pencils on paper. After sketching the subject and setting the composition, I scratch the paper with sandpaper to create directional marks. This is because I prefer drawing on an uneven textured surface and the scratches add a sense of movement to the composition. They’re not random; they contribute to the volumes taking shape and coming forward. These lines, reminiscent of engraving, are revealed after I drag charcoal powder around to define the shadows first and then work by subtraction. The action itself is a prelude, a dance I perform with my hands, connecting my love of performing arts and my background as a dance teacher. I see this vortex of lines as controlled chaos, creating the illusion that my sitters are either emerging or disappearing. However, this is a fleeting moment, a fragment of reality where I focus on specific details while everything else fades into blur. My favourite subjects include the relentless passage of time, loneliness and solitude, the love and sacrifice behind motherhood, the fascinating moment of conception and the power of gesture and body language to express emotions. In my portraits I place a strong emphasis on my sitters’ hands and eyes, favouring close-ups and unusual striking compositions. These become timeless universal images that everyone can relate to. This exhibition showcases three drawings from my latest collection “Cosmo – Le chat noir”. This five-piece series comprises A2-sized charcoal and pastel drawings on paper. While my practice primarily centres on the human figure and my drawings often feature family members, friends, or self-portraits, this series offered a delightful departure. It allowed me to focus on form and composition, emphasising shape light and structure. Charcoal’s versatility makes it ideal for capturing deep blacks and subtle tonal contrasts, and my cat Cosmo serves as the perfect subject – technically challenging yet visually striking.” – Giulia

Spread the cost interest free over 10 months using Own Art* Available up to £5,000 UK for residents only.

Please enquire via email to info@thegalleryholt.com