The Art Of Doing Nothing, Just Being

This body of oil paintings reflects on moments of stillness, where time slows and the noise of daily life recedes. At the centre of each work is the chair, a quiet protagonist and symbolic stand-in for the human figure. Through its presence, the chair holds space for rest, reflection, and the act of simply being.

In these fragments of time, there is a sense of suspension, as if the world is momentarily holding its breath. The paintings invite a gentle awareness of the present, drawing attention to the depth and meaning found in the ordinary.

At their core, these compositions offer a space for introspection. They remind us to slow down, to notice, and to connect with the quiet moments that so often pass unnoticed.

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Room for Negotiation Original oil painting | 42 × 29.5 cm | Unframed | Nicola Bouwer A single chair in an empty room—Room for Negotiation captures the charged stillness of an interrogation space, where silence carries weight and decisions linger uns
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  • Nicola Bouwer’s work is radiant and rich. When I view Bouwer’s work, it clearly stands out. Her ability to tell a story with the least amount of subject on the canvas is unparalleled. A single chair against an identified background says so much. Bouwer has the ability to move you to tears with only a single chair. I’m a proud collector of her work. I am thrilled to witness her artistic journey and can’t wait to see where she will go…and take me with her.

    Yasser Bagersh

  • 'I love my art pieces from Nicola🩷. And they make me especially happy because I know they are hers.'

    Suzanne Stevens

  • This little wonderful artwork now belongs to me! I’m so proud to offer it a new home and be its caretaker! '

    Lisa Younger

  • I don't have any abstract art in my house. It isn't that I don't appreciate abstract art - I just couldn't find pieces that I felt comfortable living with. This triptych by Nicola Bouwer was the perfect option for me: architectural, modern and fresh, but at home in my home.

    Zelda Pringle

  • I am lucky to have one of Nicola’s atmospheric paintings in my hallway. It is serene and moody, taking you to a quieter place every time you walk past.

    Robyn Shamu

  • I have known Nicola for many years, and although I am no expert, her growth as an artist has been sublime and a wonder to watch. Nicola’s style is relatable, and her pictures take pride of place in our home.

    Mark Hele

  • I have been privileged to be able to purchase three art pieces from Nicola. I saw them at one of her exhibitions and they struck me as being unique and creative. It is a collage series and the three art works together tell a beautiful story. I love the way Nicola expresses her creative ideas through different mediums and the artworks speak their own unique language! List Item

    Ingrid Sellschop

  • The scene in this painting was a day of thick late winter mist in Dullstroom. The wet conditions caused the oranges of the terrain and yellow grass to pop out through the clouds. With Alan fishing in the distance, Nicola so successfully captured this stunning vista. I love this piece. Thank you.

    Jen Bedford-Shaw

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