pd13 Peter Driben

The artwork presents a female figure in a dynamic, precarious pose suggestive of ice skating. She is depicted mid-fall, her body angled sharply across the pictorial plane. Her left leg is extended high, showcasing a silver skate, while her right arm reaches out for balance, and the other hand presses against her hip. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos, blending elements of athleticism with a playful, almost comedic tone.
The figure’s attire contributes significantly to the works character. She wears a black bandeau top and what appears to be a short, red skirt or wrap, revealing a portion of her thigh. Stockings are visible beneath the skirt, adding another layer to the presentation of femininity. Her hair is styled in voluminous curls, further emphasizing a sense of glamour and theatricality. The bright, saturated colors – the scarlet of the skirt, the blonde of the hair, the silver of the skates – heighten the visual impact and contribute to an overall feeling of vibrancy.
The artist’s rendering style leans towards graphic illustration, with bold outlines and simplified forms. This approach lends a sense of immediacy and accessibility to the work. The background is starkly black, isolating the figure and directing all attention toward her dramatic posture.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of vulnerability and control. While the fall suggests a loss of stability, the figure’s expression – a mixture of surprise and determination – implies an attempt at regaining composure. The combination of athleticism and stylized presentation hints at a commentary on societal expectations surrounding femininity and performance. Theres a deliberate blurring of lines between grace and clumsiness, strength and fragility, which invites viewers to reconsider conventional notions of beauty and skill. The signature Peter Driben placed prominently above the figure suggests an element of playful authorship and perhaps a self-aware engagement with popular culture imagery.