Nandos art work in Nottingham

Nandos art work in Nottingham

While visiting a Nando’s in Nottingham, I noticed two large paintings that immediately caught my attention. I later discovered that Nando’s has one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art outside of South Africa, and many of the works are specially commissioned. That made me look at the paintings differently, knowing they were not just decorative but part of a wider cultural collection.

The first painting feels expressive and layered, with bold brushstrokes, dripping paint and a mix of abstract and figurative elements. There are faces emerging from the surface, surrounded by colour, movement and symbolic forms. It feels emotional and energetic, almost spiritual in parts. The loose mark making and the way the paint runs down the canvas give it a sense of urgency and honesty. It is not overly polished, and that is what makes it powerful.

The second painting is a large blue portrait, built up through layers of line, texture and dripping paint. The face appears almost mapped or etched into the surface, as if it holds stories beneath it. The palette is cooler and calmer, but still intense. I was drawn to the way the artist has combined portraiture with abstraction, allowing the figure to feel both present and fragmented at the same time.

These works really resonated with me because they reflect the kind of expressive abstract painting I want to produce. I am drawn to bold colour, layered surfaces and visible mark making that shows the process. I like work that feels alive and emotional rather than controlled. Seeing these paintings in a public space reminded me that expressive abstraction can be powerful, accessible and meaningful outside of a traditional gallery setting.

Unknown South African Artist

Unknown South African Artist