yesterday by linda bergkvist

The artwork presents a diptych featuring a portrait of a young woman, divided into two distinct panels that explore contrasting emotional states and visual narratives. The composition is dominated by a close-up view of her face, framed by short, dark hair and accentuated by round spectacles. A muted color palette, primarily consisting of browns, oranges, and purples, establishes an atmosphere of subdued melancholy in the left panel, which shifts dramatically to one of visceral horror in the right.
In the initial panel, the woman’s expression conveys a palpable sense of distress. Her eyes are wide and appear slightly unfocused, suggesting shock or anxiety. The mouth is open in what could be interpreted as a silent cry or gasp. A subtle blush spreads across her cheeks, adding to the impression of vulnerability and emotional turmoil. The lighting here is soft and diffuse, creating a hazy effect that obscures some details and contributes to an overall feeling of unease.
The second panel offers a stark contrast. Here we see a transformation into a state of extreme anguish or terror. Her mouth is agape in a silent scream, revealing teeth and gums. Blood appears smeared around her mouth and nose, intensifying the sense of violence and suffering. The eyes remain wide but now possess an almost manic quality. The lighting becomes harsher, emphasizing the details of her distorted features and creating deep shadows that heighten the dramatic effect.
The juxtaposition of these two panels invites consideration of themes such as trauma, memory, or the fragility of mental stability. One might interpret the diptych as a visual representation of a descent into madness, or perhaps an exploration of repressed emotions surfacing in a moment of crisis. The subtle differences in color and lighting between the panels underscore the profound shift in emotional state, suggesting that the transition from one condition to another is not always gradual but can be sudden and overwhelming.
The artist’s choice to depict this transformation through portraiture focuses attention on the individual experience of suffering, rather than presenting a broader narrative context. The anonymity of the subject allows for a wider range of interpretations, encouraging viewers to project their own experiences and emotions onto the image.