#04570 Xaime Quessada (1937-2007)

The composition presents a layered and dreamlike scene, dominated by a central figure positioned within a complex interplay of symbolic elements. The overall effect is one of surrealism, blending photographic realism with fantastical imagery.
At the heart of the painting stands a person with long hair, clad in what appears to be translucent or ethereal garments. Their posture suggests introspection, perhaps even vulnerability, as they gaze forward with an unreadable expression. Above them floats an owl, its presence immediately introducing connotations of wisdom, prophecy, and nocturnal observation. The juxtaposition of the human figure and the avian symbol creates a sense of dialogue or connection between the conscious and subconscious realms.
The background is fragmented into distinct planes, each contributing to the painting’s otherworldly atmosphere. A blue sky with celestial bodies – a moon and what appears to be a planet – is visible in the distance, suggesting vastness and cosmic scale. Geometric shapes, including rectangular frames and triangular protrusions, overlay this landscape, creating a sense of architectural distortion or an artificial construct surrounding the central scene.
The lower portion of the painting is populated with organic forms resembling rock formations or eroded pillars, rendered in warm earth tones. Spherical objects are scattered throughout the foreground, adding to the feeling of disorientation and defying conventional perspective. A vertical strip of imagery, seemingly a collage element, hangs suspended near the center; it depicts what appears to be a classical sculpture – possibly a depiction of a mythological figure – further enriching the painting’s symbolic depth.
The color palette is striking: vibrant blues and oranges contrast with muted earth tones, creating visual tension and drawing attention to specific elements. The use of transparency in the central figures clothing adds an element of mystery and suggests a blurring of boundaries between reality and illusion.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The fragmented background and surreal arrangement of objects suggest a questioning of established order or a journey into the depths of the psyche. The owl’s presence implies an attempt at understanding or insight, while the central figure embodies a state of contemplation within this enigmatic environment.