#45545 Arpad Szenes

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, rendered in a style that prioritizes geometric abstraction over realistic representation. The face is depicted in profile and frontal views simultaneously, creating a disorienting effect. Planes of color – ochre, rose, pale yellow, and muted greens – intersect to define the features, rather than being blended smoothly.
The artist has broken down the traditional understanding of facial structure. The eye, rendered as a small, intense red dot, is positioned off-center and appears detached from the surrounding planes. The mouth is dramatically enlarged and painted in vibrant crimson, drawing immediate attention. A vertical white line bisects the lower portion of the face, further disrupting its symmetry and contributing to the overall sense of fragmentation.
The background is a stark black void, which isolates the figure and intensifies the impact of the color palette. This absence of context removes any narrative or environmental cues, focusing solely on the deconstructed portrait itself. The limited tonal range contributes to a feeling of emotional restraint despite the boldness of the red mouth.
Subtly, theres an exploration of identity and perception at play. By dismantling the conventional representation of a face, the artist seems to question how we recognize and understand individuals. The jarring juxtaposition of perspectives suggests a multifaceted nature, hinting that a single, unified view is insufficient to capture the complexity of human experience. The painting’s unsettling quality might be interpreted as an expression of alienation or a commentary on the instability of selfhood in a rapidly changing world.