Nie weg (Never Gone)

Visual Description

“Nie weg” shows an old man in profile, seated on a bench or ledge. He wears a flat cap and a dark coat. Both hands rest on top of each other on the handle of a long walking stick, and his chin leans on them. His eyes are lowered, his face deeply lined. Hübner paints the figure in gray, black and white, with finely modeled highlights along the hands, the stick and the cap.

The left half of the canvas belongs to color. Soft, wave-like forms in pink, orange and yellow move downward like petals or flames. The brushwork stays visible, and in places the paint is drawn out in thin glazes. A clear edge forms between the dark body and the bright field of color, dividing the picture into two states.

Artistic Interpretation

The title, German for “never gone,” suggests that something remains even when it can no longer be seen. The man appears inward, not frail. His posture speaks of endurance and patience. The color field beside him can be read as memory, thought or inner warmth that stays with him, though Hübner does not name it.

The painting stays deliberately open. It shows no farewell and no action, only a moment of pause. This restraint leaves room for viewers to bring their own experiences of age, loss or connection.

Art-Historical Context

The dignified portrait of old age has a long history, from Rembrandt’s late studies to the socially observant photography of the twentieth century. Hübner connects this tradition with an abstract field of color reminiscent of Art Informel. Realistic figure and free gesture stand side by side as equals.

Exclusivity

“Nie weg” is a unique work in acrylic on canvas, 70 × 50 cm, completed in July 2026. It includes a UV-reactive layer: under black light, the fluorescent passages shift in intensity and give the work a second level of perception.

Collector Value

The painting belongs to Hübner’s current production and to the work group “Inner States.” Its modest format suits living spaces, studies and smaller collections where a quiet, intimate image can hold its own.

For collectors looking for Hübner’s combination of black-and-white figuration and luminous color in a focused, contemplative form, “Nie weg” offers an accessible point of entry.

More About the Artist

Matthias Hübner (b. 1976) combines high-contrast figuration with intense color and an open, psychologically charged visual language in modern surrealistic realism. People, emotions and different levels of perception are at the center of his work. Since returning to painting in 2020, he has continued to develop his artistic position experimentally.

Early awards at the GDR youth painting competition in 1989 and the European painting competition in 1993, along with international recognition in recent years, mark his artistic development.

Condition Report

Very good condition; no visible defects. A detailed condition report is available on request.