#41594 Carlos Saenz De Tejada

The drawing presents a densely populated and surreal scene dominated by stacked shelves resembling those found in a storage room or pantry. The shelves are filled with human heads, each rendered with a distinct expression ranging from serene contemplation to apparent distress. These heads appear to be contained within what look like bread baskets or similar containers, creating an unsettling juxtaposition of the organic and the manufactured.
A steep ladder leans against the shelving unit, adding to the sense of precariousness and disorientation. The perspective is distorted; the shelves seem to recede into a vanishing point that is both near and far simultaneously, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the composition. A small figure, seemingly an observer or participant in this bizarre tableau, sits on a box at the bottom right corner, partially obscured by the surrounding heads.
The artist’s use of line work is particularly noteworthy. The lines are bold and expressive, defining the forms with a clarity that emphasizes their strangeness. Theres a deliberate lack of shading or tonal variation, which further enhances the graphic nature of the image and contributes to its unsettling atmosphere.
A handwritten note appears at the bottom of the drawing, partially obscuring the lower portion of the scene. The text is illegible but adds another layer of complexity, suggesting a personal narrative or commentary connected to the depicted imagery.
The subtexts within this work are open to interpretation. One possible reading suggests a critique of societal conformity and the dehumanizing effects of mass production. The heads, trapped in baskets, could represent individuals stripped of their individuality and reduced to mere commodities. Another interpretation might explore themes of memory, identity, and the fragility of human existence. The abundance of faces evokes a sense of overwhelming presence, while their passive expressions hint at a loss of agency or control. Ultimately, the drawing’s power lies in its ability to provoke questions rather than provide definitive answers, inviting viewers to engage with its unsettling imagery on a deeply personal level.