Print – Figure Series – “Pillar of Strength”

“Pillar of Strength”

In Pillar of Strength, Tanja Lategan portrays a naked female figure seated with her full, rounded form grounded to the earth. Her curved back, highlighted with soft watercolours and intricate pen work, becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and endurance. The arch of her spine represents the backbone of familial strength, a quiet yet unyielding force that supports and nurtures those around her.
Tanja’s use of watercolour, pen, and ink gives the figure both softness and solidity, reflecting the dual nature of femininity—gentle yet unwavering in its strength. The contours of the woman’s body are emphasized with careful detail, her seated posture radiating a sense of calm stability. The flowing, organic lines around her evoke the interconnectedness of family and the support she provides as its foundation.
This artwork celebrates the often unseen, yet indispensable, role of women as the pillars holding families together. Tanja’s portrayal not only honours the strength and grace of the female form but also invites reflection on the deep-rooted power that comes from within.