Black Lotus
Rob Rek
- Sitter: Nathan Berghan-Smith
- Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
- Dimensions: 60cm x 60cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
Nathan Berghan-Smith is a personal trainer and bodybuilding enthusiast. He inspires his clients, including the artist, with his story of rehabilitation, following a serious accident 16 years ago.
He was forced to rebuild his health and his life after an accident with his bike left him with spinal cord and other serious injuries.
“Through his physical rehabilitation and the need to strengthen his body to support his injuries, Nathan discovered stability in strength training. He went on to compete in major body building competitions and now inspires others to improve their lives through fitness through his personal training business.
The use of the skull is a striking feature of this portrait. Skulls are symbols of the transience of life and remind us of our mortality. The fracture lines add to the sense of human fragility. But the black lotus tattooed around the sitter’s ear also symbolises strength and rebirth.
“Since his achievements at NABBA, (National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association), Nathan has focused on helping others to reach their individual fitness goals, including for competitive bodybuilding.”
About the artist
Rob Rek is a Brisbane artist who has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast since 2008. He has been a finalist in local art prizes, he has won the Hinchenbrook Birdlife Prize twice and been people’s choice in the same competition. He is fascinated by birds, specifically, their “freedom, diversity and beauty” and is best known for his detailed bird paintings.
