#09612 Amparo Segarra

The composition presents a layered assemblage of disparate elements, unified by a muted color palette dominated by grays, creams, and touches of green and yellow. The overall effect is one of fragmented memory or a deliberately constructed collage reflecting the complexities of urban life and fashion in mid-century Europe.
A significant portion of the work is occupied by photographic depictions of women’s attire. Here we see several figures dressed in tailored suits and coats, their poses suggesting an air of sophistication and modernity. The clothing appears to be from the 1950s, characterized by structured silhouettes and elegant detailing. These images are not presented as portraits but rather as displays of style, emphasizing consumerism and aspirational ideals.
Juxtaposed with these fashion photographs are more abstract or illustrative elements. A sketch of a woman in green, seemingly dancing or gesturing dramatically, introduces an element of theatricality and movement. Another drawing depicts a simplified architectural structure, possibly a building facade, rendered in a quick, almost childlike style. These sketches appear to be inserted into the composition without regard for strict perspective or realism, contributing to the sense of disjunction.
The inclusion of the word Conciergerie on a sign affixed to a building’s exterior introduces a layer of historical and cultural significance. The Conciergerie was a former palace and prison in Paris, historically associated with figures like Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. Its presence here suggests a commentary on history, memory, and perhaps even societal upheaval, subtly contrasting with the seemingly carefree depiction of fashion.
The background is treated as a dark, undefined space, which serves to isolate the various elements and intensify their individual impact. The use of what appears to be textured paper or fabric further enhances the collage-like quality of the work.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a tension between idealized representations of femininity and fashion, and the weight of historical context. It is possible that the artist intended to explore themes of identity, consumer culture, and the complexities of modern life through this fragmented visual language. The juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated elements creates an ambiguity that invites multiple interpretations, resisting any singular or straightforward reading.