BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.- Renowned contemporary artist Nasser Azam continues his exploration of portraiture as a vessel for cultural memory with Sophia, his latest work honouring Italian screen legend Sophia Loren. Now on display at the entrance of Marea Beverly Hills, the painting welcomes visitors to the newly opened West Coast outpost of the famous New York restaurant, offering an artistic reflection on fame, beauty, and cultural memory.

Azam is known for capturing figures who leave a lasting impact beyond their time. Sophia Loren is not merely a celebrated actress but a symbol of resilience, elegance, and the evolving concept of beauty in public consciousness. Her legacy, shaped by decades of cinematic brilliance, fashion, and cultural significance, extends far beyond her filmography. making her an ideal subject for Azam’s unique blend of realism and abstraction. Sophia is not just a traditional portrait—it is a dynamic representation of a woman whose presence has shaped generations.

To create the work, Azam conducted extensive research, studying photographs and film stills of Loren to capture her essence rather than just her likeness. His technique involves layering oil paint in a way that brings parts of the image into sharp focus while allowing others to dissolve into abstraction. This effect mirrors how we remember cultural icons—not as static images, but as fluid memories shaped by time and emotion.

Sophia also connects to Azam’s broader exploration of identity and legacy. His previous portraits of Malala Yousafzai and Queen Elizabeth II similarly reflect on the ways public figures exist both personally and in the collective imagination. By painting Loren, he continues this dialogue, exploring how fame transforms an individual into a global symbol.

Unlike artwork confined to galleries, Sophia is displayed in a public setting, where viewers encounter it naturally in their daily lives. This placement aligns with Azam’s belief that art should be accessible and experienced in unexpected ways. A gallery visit is a planned event, but seeing Sophia at Marea Beverly Hills allows people to engage with the painting in a more spontaneous and personal way.

Ultimately, Sophia is an invitation for reflection. Some will see it as a nostalgic tribute to Loren’s cinematic legacy, while others may interpret it as a meditation on beauty, fame, and the passage of time. Azam’s work goes beyond simple representation, encouraging viewers to consider the ways we remember and reimagine cultural icons. Through Sophia, he captures not just a face, but a presence that continues to inspire.

Nasser Azam’s Sophia is on display at Marea, 430 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills 90210