Portael’s recurring themes include oriental and exotic scenes, especially oriental women, including Haouisha from Tangier (Morocco). The hidden, which stimulates the imagination, is reinforced by the large cloak that Haouisha has wrapped around himself. Haoisha is a Berber, which is revealed by the darkly made-up eyes and the ornate strands of coloured hair. The shy look of the young, pretty woman gains in importance through the focus on the face and leaves room for your own ideas.