Description

The Glittering Darkness (2018): Original Recovery Art Oil Painting

The Glittering Darkness (2018) is a powerful, large-scale original painting on canvas by South African contemporary artist Lucille Fernandes-Stangl. Measuring 80 cm x 120 cm, this expressive work from The Unsung Heroines series combines archival oil paint with newspaper collage elements to capture the quiet bravery and emotional depth of women navigating recovery from alcoholism and addiction.

“The Unsung Heroines depict women, in recovery, that have inspired me. All the women depicted in this collection of portraits are recovering from the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction. All have experienced, collectively, the emotional, sexual, physical and spiritual traumas that are part of the disease of addiction and alcoholism or have been affected by someone else’s addiction. I have tried to capture those moments of joy, quiet bliss or bravery that are a true miracle considering their history. That is why they are Unsung Heroines. This is their song.”

— Lucille Fernandes-Stangl, Artist Statement

In contemporary recovery art, representing moments of internal turning and quiet strength honors the hidden courage behind long-term healing. Through expressive brushwork, fine tonal transitions, and embedded newsprint textures, Lucille Fernandes-Stangl turns individual resilience into a lasting, highly collectible piece of contemporary fine art.

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Artistic Technique, Color Palette & Medium

Created entirely in studio using professional, artist-grade oil paints and newspaper collage on canvas, The Glittering Darkness (2018) demonstrates a masterclass in subtle glazing, rich tonal layering, and expressive portraiture. The artist builds delicate color harmonies across the skin tones, allowing the dark, shadowy background to contrast beautifully with the warm, glowing focal points.

The color palette moves between luminous warmth and deep shadow:

• Golden Ochres & Warm Flesh Tones: Radiant ochres, magenta nuances, and soft golden highlights illuminate the subject’s expression, capturing a moment of genuine, quiet joy.
• Deep Charcoal & Umber Shadows: Atmospheric dark tones surround the face, creating dramatic framing and emotional depth.
• Subtle Multi-Tonal Accents: Layered glazes and subtle collage elements integrate into the background, providing texture and history to the canvas.

All materials and canvas substrates utilized conform to high archival and lightfast standards, ensuring long-term structural durability and color permanence.

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The Narrative: Unsung Heroines & Recovery Art

The Glittering Darkness (2018) celebrates the unvarnished beauty of stepping out of the shadow of active addiction. By centering on moments of quiet bliss and bravery, the painting transforms shared survival into a powerful visual legacy.

As an authentic studio original from Johannesburg, South Africa, this canvas serves as a compelling centerpiece for fine art collectors, gallery curation, and spaces dedicated to somatic healing and contemporary portraiture.

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Artwork Specifications & Fine Art Provenance

This original canvas is an authentic studio work from Johannesburg, South Africa, and includes complete provenance records.

Artwork Details:

• Artwork Title: The Glittering Darkness (2018)
• Artist: Lucille Fernandes-Stangl
• Year of Creation: 2018
• Medium: Archival Oil and Newspaper Collage on Canvas
• Dimensions: 80 cm wide x 120 cm high
• Framing: Unframed canvas (Stretched on professional studio wood strainers)
• Provenance: Direct from the artist’s studio (Johannesburg, South Africa)
• Shipping: Fully insured, professional global packaging and worldwide delivery
• Certificate of Authenticity: Accompanied by an official, hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity. Preservation follows standard international art conservation guidelines.

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Care & Display Guidelines

To preserve the rich texture and archival qualities of your original oil and collage painting, display indoors away from direct, unfiltered sunlight and extreme moisture. Clean gently using a soft, dry microfiber cloth or camel-hair brush to remove dusting without disturbing the delicate paint layers.