SILKEYES1 lrg Ken Martin

Here we observe a composition that blends portraiture with geometric abstraction, creating a layered and somewhat enigmatic visual experience. A womans face is centrally positioned within a fragmented frame, which itself is set against a backdrop of bold black stripes and pink triangular shapes. The figure’s gaze is directed forward, yet partially obscured by an elaborate lace mask covering her eyes. This deliberate concealment immediately introduces an element of mystery and intrigue.
The artist has rendered the womans features with a degree of realism, emphasizing pale skin tones contrasted against dark hair and vividly painted lips. Her attire – a sheer black top revealing a hint of undergarments – suggests a sense of vulnerability or perhaps a carefully constructed persona. The pose is suggestive; one hand rests delicately on the mask, further drawing attention to its concealing function.
The surrounding geometric elements are crucial to understanding the work’s overall effect. The fractured frame disrupts any straightforward reading of the portrait, suggesting a fragmented identity or a distorted perception of reality. The pink triangles, reminiscent of 1980s design aesthetics, introduce a playful yet unsettling quality. Their sharp angles and contrasting colors create visual tension against the softer curves of the figure’s face and body.
The subtexts within this piece are complex. The obscured eyes invite speculation about hidden emotions or concealed intentions. The combination of sensuality and mystery hints at themes of identity, performance, and the construction of image in a media-saturated culture. The geometric framework could be interpreted as representing societal structures that shape and confine individual expression. Ultimately, the work resists easy categorization, prompting viewers to actively engage with its ambiguities and consider the interplay between representation and concealment.

The copyright notice at the bottom indicates a date of 1995, which provides context for understanding the stylistic choices employed – particularly the use of geometric forms and bold color palettes characteristic of that eras design trends.