29443 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The composition presents a scene of unsettling juxtaposition and spatial ambiguity. A man, viewed from behind, occupies the central position. He is clad in a stark white coat that contrasts sharply with the darker tones surrounding him. The figure stands before a peculiar structure – a table-like form constructed from what appears to be white metal or stone, upon which rests an ornate, gilded frame.
The background reveals a landscape of dense foliage and a cloudy sky, suggesting an outdoor setting, yet the immediate environment is defined by architectural elements that disrupt any sense of natural continuity. A partial view of a balustrade hints at a formal garden or terrace. To the left, a mirror stands upright, reflecting not the scene before it but a distorted version of the same landscape, further complicating spatial perception.
The artist’s deliberate arrangement of objects and figures generates a feeling of unease and disorientation. The mans posture – his head turned slightly away from the viewer – suggests introspection or perhaps an attempt to avoid direct engagement. The gilded frame, seemingly suspended in mid-air on the table, introduces a layer of symbolic complexity; it could represent a boundary, a portal, or simply an arbitrary element within this constructed reality.
The mirror’s reflection is particularly significant. It doesnt offer a straightforward representation but rather a fractured and altered perspective, implying that what we perceive as reality is inherently subjective and potentially deceptive. The overall effect is one of dreamlike logic, where familiar objects are rendered strange through their unexpected placement and interaction. The work seems to question the nature of perception, representation, and the relationship between the individual and the world around them.