#45246 Arturo Souto

The drawing presents a scene within what appears to be a severely damaged interior space. The composition is dominated by a strong verticality, emphasized by the remnants of a window frame on the left and a towering structure – possibly another wall or building section – on the right. These elements create a sense of enclosure and confinement.
Here we see three figures clustered in the foreground. Their postures are hunched and weary; their faces are largely obscured, contributing to an overall impression of distress and exhaustion. The figure on the left is particularly prominent, with its chest exposed, suggesting vulnerability or perhaps a recent trauma. To the right of this central figure, two others appear to be engaged in some form of interaction – one seems to offer support or comfort to the other. Their gestures are hesitant and uncertain, conveying a sense of shared burden.
The artist employed a dense, agitated hatching technique throughout the drawing. This creates a palpable texture that reinforces the feeling of chaos and destruction. The stark contrast between light and shadow further amplifies the dramatic effect, highlighting the figures’ forms while simultaneously obscuring details and fostering an atmosphere of ambiguity.
Beyond the immediate depiction of human suffering, the work seems to explore themes of loss, resilience, and perhaps even collective memory. The ruined architecture suggests a past catastrophe – a war, natural disaster, or some other devastating event – while the presence of the figures implies a struggle for survival and a desire to rebuild amidst the wreckage. The obscured faces invite contemplation about individual identities subsumed within a larger historical narrative. There is an underlying sense of quiet desperation, hinting at a profound psychological toll borne by those who remain.