#36134 Franco Gentilini

The artwork presents a figure that appears to be a mermaid, seated on what seems to be a beach or shoreline. The composition is dominated by this central figure, rendered in muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and grays – which contribute to an overall sense of melancholy and stillness.
Here we see the upper portion of the figure displaying human characteristics: fair skin, reddish-blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, and a face with large, expressive eyes that gaze directly forward. The expression is difficult to decipher definitively; it could be interpreted as either serene or slightly sorrowful. Her hands are clasped gently in front of her abdomen, drawing attention to the subtle curve of her form.
Below the waist, the figure transitions into a fish-like tail, rendered with similar muted colors and textured brushstrokes. The tail’s scale pattern is suggested rather than precisely depicted, contributing to an impression of dreamlike ambiguity. A narrow band of blue delineates the horizon line, providing a stark contrast to the predominantly earthy palette and hinting at the presence of water beyond the immediate shoreline.
The background itself is indistinct, composed of layered washes that evoke a hazy atmosphere. The surface appears deliberately distressed or aged, with visible brushstrokes and areas where the paint seems to have been scraped away – a technique that adds to the painting’s sense of fragility and timelessness.
Subtly, the work explores themes of liminality and otherness. The figure exists between two worlds: human and aquatic, land and sea. This positioning suggests a state of displacement or longing, perhaps representing an individual caught between identities or belonging nowhere definitively. The pregnant appearance of the abdomen introduces another layer of complexity; it could symbolize potential, creation, or even burden – further enriching the narrative ambiguity inherent in the figure’s hybrid nature. The muted color scheme and distressed surface contribute to a feeling of introspection and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to ponder the figures story and her place within this ambiguous landscape.