A33 Tarzanogram 2 Beryl Cook

The composition presents a scene of apparent revelry within what appears to be a dimly lit, enclosed space – perhaps a tavern or club. A central figure, powerfully built and clad in leopard-print briefs and matching boots, dominates the foreground. He is depicted carrying a woman in his arms, her posture suggesting both surrender and amusement. She wears white stockings and a short skirt, further contributing to an atmosphere of playful abandon.
Surrounding this central pair are numerous onlookers, their expressions ranging from laughter to detached observation. The faces are rendered with exaggerated features – large noses, wide eyes, and prominent chins – lending the scene a caricatured quality. Many hold mugs or glasses, implying alcohol consumption and further reinforcing the sense of boisterousness.
The color palette is striking: a warm orange ground contrasts sharply with the cool blue border framing the entire image. This creates a visual separation between the depicted world and an implied external space. The artist’s use of bright colors contributes to the overall feeling of heightened reality, bordering on the fantastical.
Subtexts within the work are layered and potentially provocative. The central figures attire and action evoke associations with primal masculinity and dominance, while the woman’s posture suggests a complex interplay of power dynamics – perhaps submission, perhaps playful complicity. The surrounding figures seem to be both participants in and spectators of this interaction, highlighting themes of voyeurism and social performance.
The exaggerated features and caricatured style suggest a satirical commentary on societal norms related to gender roles, masculinity, and leisure activities. It is possible that the artist intends to critique or playfully subvert expectations surrounding these topics through the depiction of this unusual tableau. The overall effect is one of unsettling humor and ambiguous social commentary.