#45219 Arturo Souto

The composition presents a dynamic interplay between organic forms rendered in a deliberately simplified style. A central figure, seemingly human, is depicted riding what appears to be an equine creature. The artist has employed a limited palette of ochre, black, and muted grey-blue tones, contributing to the work’s overall sense of restraint and emotional weight.
The riders posture suggests both control and vulnerability; their body leans forward, yet the head is tilted downwards, hinting at introspection or perhaps resignation. The equine form dominates the lower portion of the canvas. Its anatomy is reduced to essential lines and washes of color, emphasizing movement and energy rather than precise detail. The creature’s open mouth, rendered with stark black strokes, could be interpreted as a cry or an expression of exertion.
The background is largely monochromatic, providing little spatial context but allowing the figures to stand out. Several small, abstract shapes are scattered across this field – one resembling a spiral and another a stylized figure – which introduce an element of ambiguity and invite multiple interpretations. These additions seem less like elements within a narrative scene and more like symbolic markers or fragments of memory.
The work’s subtexts revolve around themes of power, dependence, and the precariousness of existence. The relationship between rider and mount is not straightforward; its unclear whether it represents dominance or symbiosis. The simplified forms and muted colors evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection, suggesting that the scene might be less about literal representation and more about exploring psychological states or universal human experiences. The scattered abstract shapes further contribute to this feeling of fragmented reality and unresolved questions.