#04533 Xaime Quessada (1937-2007)

The painting presents a densely layered urban landscape rendered in a palette dominated by ochre, rust, and deep browns, punctuated by flashes of crimson and black. The composition is structured around a large, imposing building that occupies the central portion of the canvas. Its architecture suggests classical influences – arches are repeated throughout its facade, hinting at a formal, perhaps institutional purpose. However, the structure appears fragmented and distorted; details are obscured within the thick impasto application of paint, creating an impression of decay or disintegration.
Below this building stretches a broad avenue or plaza, illuminated by a warm, orange glow that seems to emanate from the ground itself. The perspective is skewed, contributing to a sense of unease and disorientation. Figures populate the foreground; they are indistinct, rendered as dark silhouettes with minimal detail, their postures suggesting movement but offering no clear narrative. Their anonymity reinforces the feeling of detachment and alienation within this constructed environment.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture and materiality. The paint is applied in a vigorous manner, creating a surface that is both rough and expressive. This tactile quality contributes to the overall sense of claustrophobia and oppressive weight. Theres an intentional blurring of lines and forms; sharp definition is absent, which further obscures any clear understanding of the scene’s specifics.
Subtly, there is a suggestion of a sky visible above the building, but it too is obscured by layers of paint, hinting at a sense of confinement or entrapment. The overall effect evokes a feeling of urban decay and societal fragmentation – a place where grandeur has been eroded, and human presence feels diminished and isolated. It’s not merely a depiction of a city; rather, it seems to explore the psychological impact of an environment that is both monumental and unsettling.