#04537 Xaime Quessada (1937-2007)

The composition presents a perplexing arrangement of figures and objects within what appears to be an interior space defined by stark geometry. A dominant red plane forms the lower portion of the scene, abruptly truncated by a series of spheres that seem to float in mid-air. Above this, a pale, indeterminate area stretches towards a ceiling punctuated by a decaying architectural element – a fragment resembling a gilded cornice or molding.
The central figures are rendered with an unsettling ambiguity. Two human forms, seemingly female, occupy the foreground. One is depicted in a dynamic pose, leaning forward and appearing to support or restrain the other. The second figure’s posture suggests vulnerability or perhaps submission. Their bodies are elongated and slender, their features indistinct, contributing to a sense of detachment and dreamlike unreality.
To the left, a spectral female figure, clad in an elaborate dress, is partially superimposed over a dark, amorphous shape. Her face appears obscured or absent, further emphasizing her ghostly presence. A perched owl, a traditional symbol of wisdom and observation, stands near the base of this figure, its gaze directed towards the central pair.
The color palette is restricted to warm tones – predominantly reds, yellows, and browns – creating an atmosphere of oppressive heat and psychological tension. The lighting is uneven, with areas of intense illumination contrasting sharply with deep shadows, which intensifies the surreal quality of the scene.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of power dynamics, vulnerability, and the distortion of identity. The act of support or restraint between the two central figures suggests a complex relationship characterized by dependence and control. The spectral figure in the dress might represent a repressed memory or an idealized past, while the owl’s presence hints at a silent witness to these unfolding events. The spheres could symbolize isolation, fragility, or perhaps unattainable goals. Overall, the work evokes a sense of unease and disorientation, inviting contemplation on the nature of perception and the subconscious mind.