#41635 Carlos Saenz De Tejada

The work presents two distinct compositions arranged vertically on a single sheet. Both share a common architectural theme: views framed by arched openings, suggesting perspectives from within a larger structure onto external scenes. The monochromatic palette, primarily utilizing shades of gray and white with subtle tonal variations, contributes to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and abstraction.
In the upper composition, one observes a courtyard scene bathed in what appears to be diffused light filtering through foliage at the top center. Buildings are rendered as simplified geometric forms – cubes, cylinders, and arches – arranged in a seemingly haphazard yet balanced manner. A figure, small in scale and indistinct in detail, is positioned near the central building, adding a sense of human presence without defining their activity or identity. The artist employed washes to create areas of shadow and highlight, giving depth to the scene despite its stylized representation.
The lower composition mirrors the structural framework of the upper one – an arched opening framing an external view. Here, however, the buildings are more densely packed, creating a sense of enclosure. A prominent architectural element, possibly a monument or facade, dominates the center of the view. The inscription on this structure is illegible but suggests a reference to historical or cultural significance. A large rock formation occupies the lower left corner, introducing an organic element that contrasts with the rigid geometry of the buildings.
The subtexts within these drawings seem to explore themes of memory, place, and the passage of time. The monochromatic palette and simplified forms evoke a sense of nostalgia or recollection, as if viewing fragments of a past era. The recurring motif of arched openings suggests a framing device – a lens through which one observes and interprets the world. The small figure in the upper composition hints at human experience within this constructed environment, while the inscription on the lower structure implies a connection to history and cultural identity. Overall, the work conveys a sense of quiet introspection and invites contemplation about the relationship between architecture, memory, and human presence.