#33037 Guillermo Perez Villalta

Here we see a relief sculpture set against a textured, reddish-orange background. The central figure is a stylized mask or face, rendered in a light grey material that contrasts sharply with the warm hue behind it. The word VERDAD (Spanish for “truth”) appears prominently both above and below the facial representation, written in reverse to create a mirrored effect.
The artist has employed a deliberate simplification of form. Facial features are reduced to essential elements: large, symmetrical eyes, a broad nose, and a wide, slightly unsettling smile. The mouth is particularly striking, with deeply carved lines suggesting an almost predatory grin. Above the face, a stylized headdress or crown is depicted, composed of vertical ridges that add height and visual complexity.
The texture of both the figure and background contributes significantly to the overall effect. The mask appears roughly hewn, giving it a primitive, almost archaic quality. The background’s uneven surface creates a sense of depth and dynamism, preventing the composition from feeling flat or static. This textural interplay enhances the contrast between the sculpted form and its backdrop.
The repetition of VERDAD is crucial to understanding the works intent. Its mirrored placement suggests a duality or perhaps an elusive nature of truth itself – something that must be viewed from multiple perspectives to fully comprehend. The unsettling smile on the face, coupled with the word “truth,” introduces a layer of ambiguity and potential irony. Is this a representation of genuine truth, or is it a satirical commentary on its presentation or perception?
The work’s aesthetic draws upon elements of primitive art and folk traditions, lending it an air of timelessness and universality. The deliberate lack of detail encourages viewers to project their own interpretations onto the image, making it a powerful statement about the subjective nature of truth and representation.