#16769 Manuel Saez

The drawing presents a close-up depiction of two figures engaged in an intimate embrace. The composition is tightly framed, focusing almost entirely on their faces and upper bodies, eliminating any background detail. This restricted field of vision intensifies the emotional weight of the scene.
Here we see two individuals, one appearing to be male and the other female, positioned very close together, their faces nearly touching. Their expressions are difficult to discern with absolute certainty due to the drawings stylistic choices – a reliance on line work rather than tonal shading – but there is an impression of tenderness and vulnerability conveyed through the slight upturn of the lips and the relaxed posture of the figures. The male figure’s profile is clearly defined, emphasizing his strong jawline and brow. The female figure’s face is partially obscured by her hair, which cascades across the composition in a swirling pattern. A visible piercing adorns her lower lip, introducing an element of individuality and perhaps suggesting a non-conformist sensibility.
The artist has employed a technique that emphasizes texture; the papers surface itself contributes to the visual experience, creating a grainy effect that softens the edges and adds a sense of immediacy. The lines are not consistently bold or even in thickness, which lends an informal, almost sketch-like quality to the work. This approach avoids a polished finish, instead suggesting a spontaneous capture of a moment.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of connection and intimacy. The close proximity of the figures suggests a deep emotional bond, while the lack of context invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene. The piercing on the female figure introduces an element of personal identity that might be read as a statement about self-expression or belonging. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of quiet intimacy and shared vulnerability through its composition, technique, and subject matter.