The Empty Hours (2020) is a compelling testament to Gottgens' evocative painterly language and psychological depth. It carries a haunting sense of quiet introspection, emblematic of her knack for transforming the ordinary into the enigmatic. The painting emerges from the artist’s ongoing preoccupation with themes of memory, fleetingness, and emotional resonance. Broad, luminescent brushwork and subtle tonal modulations generate an atmosphere that is both contemplative and mysterious, inviting viewers to stillness as they ponder the ambiguous narratives within.

Executed during a period marked by global uncertainty, The Empty Hours formed a key highlight of Gottgens’ exhibition, Skyglow on Mars Black, at SMAC Gallery, Cape Town, in late 2020 through early 2021. This context amplifies the work’s meditative quality, reflecting the psychological landscape of a world confronting isolation and introspection. The painting’s subtle chromatic shifts and layered textures evoke memories that feel just out of reach, a signature of Gottgens’ approach, which often blurs the boundaries between the personal and the universal.

Adding to the current momentum behind Gottgens’ career is the significant announcement of her representation by MARUANI MERCIER, a gallery renowned for advancing the profiles of major contemporary artists. This new chapter is poised to further elevate her international presence, positioning her among a cadre of artists celebrated for both conceptual rigor and painterly mastery. The Empty Hours thus captures a pivotal moment, both within Gottgens’ artistic evolution and within the wider contemporary conversation.