lrs Hardin Helenuntitled1 Helen Hardin

The composition presents a striking assemblage of geometric forms arranged against a complex background. The central focus is a stylized face constructed from overlapping planes and angular shapes. A dominant circular form frames the visage, its edges delineated by a series of red and brown segments that create a sense of layered depth. Within this frame, the facial features are abstracted into simplified elements: a single, large eye rendered in turquoise with a concentric circle at its center commands immediate attention; a rectangular opening suggests a mouth, while triangular shapes suggest a nose.
The artist employs a limited palette primarily consisting of reds, browns, blues, and greens, creating a vibrant yet somewhat unsettling visual experience. The color choices contribute to the work’s overall intensity and lend an air of ritualistic significance. A meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns that define each plane, suggesting a deliberate construction rather than spontaneous creation.
The background itself is equally significant. It consists of a dense network of radiating lines and angular blocks, creating a sense of visual dynamism and complexity. The upper portion features a pattern resembling stylized architectural elements or perhaps abstracted landscapes, while the lower section presents a series of rounded forms that echo the circular motif found in the central figure. This interplay between the structured face and the chaotic background generates tension and invites multiple interpretations.
Subtly, theres an impression of masking or concealment. The fragmented nature of the facial features suggests not a portrait but rather a representation of identity as something constructed, performed, or perhaps even hidden. The overall effect is one of controlled energy and deliberate ambiguity, hinting at themes of cultural heritage, ritual practice, or the multifaceted nature of selfhood. The work seems to explore how identity can be both revealed and obscured through symbolic representation.