cr RobinWood PoP 11 Fax&LadyGemma Robin Wood

Here we see a drawing depicting two figures, identified as Fax & Gemma, rendered in a style reminiscent of classical portraiture but imbued with a distinct sense of melancholy and unease. The artist employs a limited palette – primarily reds, blues, grays, and muted browns – to create a somber atmosphere.
The male figure dominates the left side of the composition. His gaze is directed forward, seemingly fixed on an unseen point, conveying a feeling of stoicism or perhaps resignation. He wears what appears to be a ceremonial cloak or robe in a vibrant red, which contrasts sharply with his pale complexion and creates a focal point. The rendering of his face suggests age and weariness, hinting at burdens carried.
The female figure stands slightly behind him, her posture conveying a sense of fragility and sorrow. Her hands are clasped together, a gesture often associated with supplication or grief. Her facial features are rendered with an almost ghostly quality; the skin is pale, and dark circles underscore her eyes, suggesting exhaustion or suffering. The elaborate headpiece she wears adds to the impression of royalty or elevated status, yet it cannot mask the underlying sadness in her expression.
The background texture – a mottled pattern resembling aged paper or fabric – contributes to the overall feeling of antiquity and decay. It creates a sense that these figures are remnants of a bygone era, their story etched into the very surface they inhabit. The inscription at the bottom left, along with the artist’s signature and date (1988), anchors the work in a specific time while simultaneously suggesting a timeless narrative.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of power, loss, and endurance. The contrast between the male figures apparent authority and the female figures vulnerability suggests an imbalance or conflict within their relationship. The overall tone is one of quiet tragedy, hinting at a story of hardship and resilience in the face of adversity. The names Fax & Gemma themselves invite speculation about their identities and the nature of their shared experience – perhaps alluding to historical figures or fictional characters burdened by fate.