Medium: graphite on paper
Size: 8.5" x 11"
Year: 2008
The Virgin by Markham is a haunting vision rendered in graphite on paper, measuring 8.5" x 11" and created in 2008. A grotesque yet mesmerizing figure looms in shadow, its twisted form both nightmarish and entrancing. The interplay of heavy black shrouds and intricate anatomical details creates a tension that feels both intimate and menacing, as if the subject exists in some liminal space between horror and revelation.
The level of textural depth in this piece is masterful. The gnarled flesh, the piercing gaze, and the unsettling fusion of figures suggest transformation, decay, or perhaps something even more profound—an evolution into monstrosity. The shading work is relentless, pushing contrast to its extremes, making the darkest shadows feel infinite while the highlights carve out every unsettling detail with stark clarity.
Markham’s command of graphite is undeniable, creating an atmosphere thick with unease. The background, marked with ghostly sigils and faintly sketched geometric patterns, adds an esoteric mystery, leaving the viewer questioning whether they’re witnessing a ritual, an abomination, or a tragic, distorted birth. Every line, every smudge of graphite feels intentional, pulling the viewer deeper into the piece’s eerie world.
This is more than a drawing—it’s an experience. The Virgin demands attention, challenges perception, and leaves an imprint on the psyche. A must-have for collectors of dark surrealism, horror aesthetics, and anyone who appreciates technical excellence in graphite. The piece is in like-new condition and comes with the artist’s certificate of authenticity.
