#17000 Monica Ozamiz Fortis

The composition presents a fragmented landscape, rendered in a style that prioritizes texture and expressive mark-making over precise representation. A dense cluster of vertical lines dominates the foreground, suggesting a grove of trees or perhaps reeds swaying in wind. These lines are not clean; they appear broken, layered, and often obscured by other marks, contributing to an overall sense of visual complexity.
Behind this screen of verticals, horizontal bands delineate layers within the scene. The lower portion is characterized by earthy tones – ochre, yellow-green, and hints of brown – suggesting a field or low-lying terrain. Above this, a band of muted blue-greens evokes a body of water or perhaps distant foliage. Further back still, a pale pinkish-grey area suggests the sky, though its presence is ambiguous due to the layering of textures.
The artist employed a vigorous application of paint, creating a palpable surface relief. Hatching and cross-hatching are prevalent techniques, particularly in the middle ground, adding depth and visual interest. The brushstrokes appear energetic and somewhat chaotic, conveying a sense of movement and instability. This technique also obscures any clear focal point; instead, the eye is drawn across the entire canvas, encountering different textures and color combinations.
Subtly, theres an impression of enclosure or confinement. The dense vertical lines create a barrier, while the fragmented nature of the landscape suggests a disrupted view. The muted palette reinforces this feeling, avoiding bright or optimistic colors. It’s possible to interpret the work as reflecting a sense of melancholy or introspection, where the natural world is perceived through a veil of uncertainty and emotional distance. The deliberate obscuring of forms prevents easy interpretation, inviting contemplation on themes of perception, memory, and the subjective experience of landscape.