#29470 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The artwork presents a scene centered around the creation of a sand painting. Three figures dominate the composition: two young boys and an adult male, presumably a mentor or elder. The artist positioned them in a triangular arrangement, drawing the viewers eye towards the central activity.
Here we see the adult figure kneeling on the ground, his posture suggesting focused concentration as he meticulously applies colored sand to a design laid out upon the earth. His clothing – a loose shirt and trousers – and the headband adorning his hair indicate cultural affiliation, though specific tribal identity remains ambiguous. The boys are seated nearby, their gazes fixed intently on the adult’s actions. Their expressions convey a mixture of curiosity and reverence, suggesting an active learning process.
The sand painting itself is rendered in vibrant hues – blues, greens, yellows, and reds – and appears to depict stylized geometric patterns or symbolic representations. Several ceramic vessels are placed near the design, likely containing the colored sands used for its creation. The ground surface is a muted brown, contrasting with the vivid colors of the artwork. A hazy, indistinct landscape stretches into the background, contributing to a sense of isolation and timelessness.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of cultural transmission and artistic heritage. It suggests the importance of oral tradition and experiential learning within this community. The act of creating the sand painting is not merely an aesthetic exercise but a ritualistic practice passed down through generations. The ephemeral nature of sand paintings – their deliberate destruction after completion – is implied, hinting at a cyclical understanding of creation and dissolution. The artist’s choice to depict children as active participants underscores the continuity of this tradition and its significance for future generations.

The inscription beneath the image, The Sand Painter, further reinforces the focus on the artistic process and the individual responsible for its execution.