#15778 Oswaldo Guayasamin

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, dominated by a palette of cool blues and grays punctuated by stark blacks and whites. The figure is rendered in a highly stylized manner, eschewing naturalistic representation for a fractured, almost architectural construction of the face. It appears as if two distinct planes have been superimposed upon one another, creating a sense of disjunction and psychological complexity.
Here we see a central vertical division that cleaves the face into asymmetrical halves. The left side is characterized by an enlarged eye, rendered with a circular pupil that seems to stare directly outward. Lines radiate from this eye, suggesting both intensity and distress. Below it, the nose is depicted as a sharp, triangular form, jutting forward aggressively. The mouth on this side appears open in what could be interpreted as either a cry or a silent scream.
The right side of the face presents a different visual experience. While retaining the overall color scheme, the features are more subdued and fragmented. A single tear is indicated by a dark streak descending from the eye, contributing to an atmosphere of melancholy and suffering. The nose is less pronounced, and the mouth appears partially obscured, suggesting repression or concealment.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes angularity and sharp edges, creating a sense of tension and unease. Brushstrokes are visible, adding texture and reinforcing the impression of a work in progress, a deconstruction rather than a finished product. The limited color range contributes to the somber mood, while the stark contrasts heighten the dramatic effect.
Subtly, there is an implication of duality or internal conflict within the subject. The fractured nature of the face suggests a psychological fragmentation, perhaps representing a struggle between opposing forces or emotions. The asymmetry further emphasizes this sense of imbalance and discord. The overall impression is one of profound emotional distress conveyed through a highly abstracted visual language.