#10478 Saulo Mercader

The painting presents a stylized arrangement of natural forms against a vibrant, patterned backdrop. Here we observe a central composition dominated by what appears to be a hybrid creature – a fusion of snail and butterfly – rendered in bold, simplified shapes and a limited palette of blues, greens, yellows, and whites. The creature’s shell spirals outward, echoing the curves found elsewhere within the work. Attached to this form are stylized wings reminiscent of a butterfly, though their shape is angular and abstracted.
The background consists of thick, undulating red lines on a black field, creating a sense of rhythmic movement that contrasts with the more static forms in the foreground. This visual dynamism contributes to an overall feeling of controlled chaos. The base upon which the creature rests is depicted as a dark, rounded form, providing a grounding element within the composition.
The artist’s use of color and simplified shapes suggests a deliberate departure from naturalistic representation. Instead, theres an emphasis on symbolic meaning and emotional impact. The combination of snail and butterfly – creatures associated with slowness and transformation respectively – might allude to themes of metamorphosis or unexpected combinations. The bright, almost jarring colors contribute to the painting’s energetic quality, while the repetitive patterns in the background create a sense of visual enclosure.
The work seems less concerned with depicting reality than with exploring the potential for creating new forms through the recombination of familiar elements. It evokes a playful and somewhat surreal atmosphere, inviting contemplation on the nature of identity and change.