Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth… Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth… Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth… Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illu… — artist's signature Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated whil… — detail Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminat… — shown hanging
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth…
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth…
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated while the oth…
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illu… — artist's signature
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminated whil… — detail
Black and white portrait of a man’s face emerging from deep shadow, with one eye and half the face illuminat… — shown hanging
Drawing by James Messervy

Exposed

Pastel, Paper, Framed by Artist

63cm (W) x 83cm (H) x 2cm (D)

Certificate of Authenticity Included

Framed by Artist

A$3,400

Arrives 29–31 Aug

Free Shipping Australia Wide · Free returns

Bluethumb Art Advisory Free Available now
Rachel
Rachel
Senior Art Advisor

Unsure about this piece? Get free advice on sizing, framing, and how it'll work in your space.

1800 987 291

Artwork Description

Awarded Grand Champion in the Art and Photography Competition at the Royal Canberra Show in 2026, this pastel portrait explores the tension between light and concealment. The portrait is deliberately pared back, allowing subtle shifts in value to suggest form rather than describe it. The work invites close viewing, where detail emerges gradually from shadow, creating a strong focal presence in a space without overwhelming it.

Exhibition & Awards
. Grand Champion - Art and Photography - Royal Canberra Show 2026
. First Prize - Figurative (human or animal forms, any medium, including mixed media) - Royal Canberra Show 2026
. Champion - Art - Other Adult 18+ Advanced - Royal Canberra Show 2026
. Overall Champion - Grand Champion Art - Adult 18+ - Advanced - Royal Canberra Show 2026

Artist Bio
Photo of James Messervy
James Messervy 4 artworks | 0 Sold

James Messervy is an Australian artist working primarily in pastel. His work explores realism through light, texture, and atmosphere, with a particular interest in how restraint and shadow can suggest presence rather than describe it fully.

Commissions
James's studio is in Canberra, Australia