CA2RO5UF Angel Planells

The canvas presents a dreamlike coastal scene, characterized by unsettling juxtapositions and distorted forms. A peculiar structure dominates the left side of the composition; it resembles a building but its organic, almost skeletal architecture defies conventional understanding. The facade is punctuated with what appear to be windows or openings filled with an array of colorful, geometric shapes – a visual anomaly that disrupts any sense of realism.
To the right of this unusual edifice, a man sits in an ornate chair, his posture suggesting contemplation or perhaps resignation. He’s dressed in elaborate attire, hinting at a position of some authority or status, yet he seems detached from the bizarre environment surrounding him. A small table beside him holds what appears to be a glass and a bowl of fruit, further emphasizing this sense of isolation and quiet observation.
In the foreground, a prone horse lies on the sand, its head turned towards the viewer. The animal’s posture is unsettling – it seems both defeated and strangely serene. A fallen log rests near the horses flank, adding to the overall feeling of abandonment and decay. A figure in formal attire stands between the building and the seated man, appearing almost as a witness to this strange tableau.
The landscape itself contributes significantly to the painting’s unsettling atmosphere. The sea is rendered with an unnatural stillness, while the distant cliffs are stylized and lack detail. Above, the sky is filled with large, puffy clouds that seem to press down on the scene, intensifying the feeling of confinement and unease.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of societal decay, alienation, and the fragility of human constructs against a backdrop of an indifferent natural world. The juxtaposition of opulent attire and dilapidated surroundings suggests a critique of power structures or perhaps a commentary on the impermanence of material wealth. The horse’s posture could symbolize loss, exhaustion, or even a symbolic representation of suppressed vitality. Ultimately, the painting resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its unsettling imagery and ponder the underlying psychological landscape it evokes.