Evocative

Multimedia artist Neva Bothager’s work sparks conversation and contemplation about how women are viewed internally and by others.

“I love exploring the sculptural qualities of the medium. I bring faces out of charcoal to remind people of the individual. Women confront the viewer with direct stares, defining themselves and taking ownership,” shares Bothager. “They wear their suits of flesh, owning their space and body, reiterating that they are not there for the male gaze.”

Educated as a sculptor in Texas, Bothager is currently exploring 2D art in Columbus and has taught herself the art of using charcoal to capture her subjects, some of whom are herself.

“In my youth, I came face-to-face with a Van Gogh painting and was immediately mesmerized—his colors, the movement in every brushstroke. In my twenties, while sculpting, I looked to Rodin for guidance in capturing emotion in motion,” says Bothager. “Today, my influences range from the raw, compelling figures of Lucian Freud to the gestural intensity of Mad Charcoal. I’m most in my element creating figurative works in charcoal, adding depth with colored chalks and inks. I use the sculptural nature of charcoal to push and pull the figure from the page—inviting the viewer’s eye to travel across the terrain of the human form and spirit.” 

The Awesome Gallery is honored to welcome this thought-provoking art and artist and hopes others will take the time to view and feel the message it conveys.

“Evocative is more than a show—it’s an emotional journey,” shares Jacquie Mahan, Owner, The Awesome Gallery. “Her sculptural use of charcoal invites you to pause, reflect, and truly feel. It’s intimate, powerful, and unforgettable.”