Nightmare

About this artwork

Nightmare explores the unsettling space where fear is felt more than seen. Rather than depicting a literal monster or scene, the painting relies on abstraction, allowing each viewer’s own experiences and imagination to complete the story. The dominant red circular form becomes an emotional focal point—suggesting a silent scream, an unblinking eye, or a warning that cannot be ignored. Surrounding it, muted grays, deep violets, and black washes create an atmosphere of uncertainty, while the rough white border evokes a fragile boundary between safety and the unknown. Dripping paint and layered textures reinforce the feeling that control is slipping away. As with much of Michael Hewlett’s work, Nightmare embraces the idea that imperfection reveals truth. There is no single interpretation; each viewer brings their own memories, fears, and resilience to the canvas. Rather than illustrating a nightmare, the painting invites us to confront one—and perhaps leave it behind.