Phoenix

This portrait captures a young man with a hibiscus flower resting gently against his cheek, bathed in sunlight that casts vibrant bursts of orange, red, and pink across his hair and skin. The flower seems to absorb and reflect these hues, giving its petals a rich, velvety texture. Framed by a backdrop of a light ultramarine blue, the warmth of the composition is enhanced through contrast, while his eyes gaze thoughtfully into the distance. Edward’s use of short, colourful, and deliberately incomplete brush marks draws inspiration from Jenny Saville’s bold and playful approach to thick paint application, adding depth and tactile energy to the portrait.