Figure in Red was inspired by England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States. Rather than depicting football itself, the painting captures the emotional anticipation that exists before a ball is kicked—when optimism, belief and shared identity unite supporters. The figure stands as an imagined England fan, proudly wearing the red of the national team. Built from successive layers of expressive acrylic paint, fluorescent marks and textured surfaces, the portrait gradually emerges from abstraction, echoing the excitement and unpredictability of tournament football. Reds dominate the composition as a symbol of passion and commitment, while flashes of fluorescent colour introduce movement and energy that suggest the noise, colour and emotion of match day. Rather than recording a specific player, supporter or moment, Figure in Red celebrates the universal hope carried by every fan at the beginning of a World Cup campaign—the belief that, this time, anything might be possible. Come on England.
Illustrative interior visualisations showing how the artwork may appear within a residential or gallery setting. Scale and surroundings are indicative only.
About this artwork
Background to the work, materials and process, series context and collector notes.
Figure in Red reflects on the emotional anticipation that unites people before a significant event. This acrylic portrait, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, captures the collective optimism of supporters. Layers of expressive paint and energetic marks across the surface create a sense of movement, while the predominant red tones symbolise passion. Andrew Bowers explores universal emotions and shared identity, translating them into an abstracted figure of an England fan.
The artwork Figure in Red was inspired by the England campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Andrew Bowers was drawn to the emotional anticipation that exists before a ball is kicked, focusing on the optimism and shared identity among supporters. The central idea for the work was to convey the universal hope carried by every fan at the beginning of a World Cup campaign. Andrew Bowers approaches this by creating an imagined portrait that abstracts the figure of an England fan, celebrating the belief that anything might be possible.
Figure in Red is built from successive layers of acrylic paint, allowing for visible underlayers and rich texture. Expressive marks and painterly gestures, alongside fluorescent accents, create a sense of energy within the composition. Andrew Bowers uses these layers and marks to gradually bring the abstract portrait into focus, echoing the unpredictability of a tournament. The surface handling contributes to the feeling of movement and emotional depth.
This acrylic painting, measuring 59.4 × 84.1 cm, was created in 2026 on Arches 309 gsm cold pressed fine art paper. The paper is adhered to aluminium Dibond for stability. The artwork is presented in a black floating frame, reinforcing its contemporary aesthetic.
The atmosphere of Figure in Red is dominated by a restrained, yet passionate red palette. These dominant red tones serve to symbolise the commitment and intensity of feeling associated with the subject. Flashes of fluorescent colour introduce a dynamic quality, suggesting movement and the vibrant energy of match day. The interplay of expressive colour contributes to the emotional resonance, setting a mood of anticipation and unified spirit.
While Figure in Red is a portrait, it extends Andrew Bowers’ wider practice by exploring the structural elements of shared human experience, rather than landscapes. The work focuses on the subtle divisions and unifying aspects of collective identity, a theme that parallels the quiet structural language of the Quiet Divides series. It reflects an ongoing enquiry into how abstract forms can convey profound atmospheric and emotional states. The painting continues to explore observation, memory, and the enduring forms of human connection in new ways.
Figure in Red offers a considered presence for spaces seeking a focal point with depth and emotional resonance. Its dominant reds and vibrant accents work well in interiors with a modern aesthetic and clean lines, complementing neutral or dark palettes. Thoughtful lighting would enhance the subtle textures and layered colours, making it particularly suitable for a study, living area, or a considered hallway.
Figure in Red captures a universal emotion of hope and collective passion, making it a compelling piece for a collector. The nuanced layering of acrylic and expressive marks rewards sustained looking, revealing additional subtle details over time. This artwork carries an emotional weight that resonates with personal anticipation and shared experiences. Living with this painting offers a quiet reminder of unity and optimism.