#17039 Monica Ozamiz Fortis

The composition presents a feline subject rendered in a style characterized by fractured planes and a limited palette dominated by shades of gray, blue, and black. The animal occupies the central space, its form constructed from angular shapes that disrupt traditional notions of organic representation. These geometric divisions create an effect of fragmentation, suggesting a deconstruction of the creature’s inherent softness and fluidity.
The cats gaze is direct and unwavering; it meets the viewers with an intensity that lends a sense of quiet observation. The eyes themselves are rendered as pools of amber light, providing a focal point within the otherwise monochromatic scheme. This contrast draws attention to the animals sentience and perhaps hints at an underlying intelligence or inscrutability.
The background is equally fragmented, composed of horizontal bands that create a sense of depth while simultaneously flattening the pictorial space. These bands do not function as realistic architectural elements but rather serve as abstract planes contributing to the overall geometric structure. The stark contrast between light and shadow further emphasizes this fractured quality, preventing any illusion of naturalistic perspective.
The artist’s choice of subject matter – a domestic animal – is noteworthy. Cats often symbolize independence, mystery, and a certain aloofness. Combined with the paintings formal qualities, this association suggests an exploration of themes related to perception, identity, and the challenges of representing reality through structured forms. The work seems less concerned with depicting a specific cat than with using it as a vehicle for investigating broader questions about representation itself.
The signature in the lower right corner indicates a date of 1998, placing the painting within a period marked by continued experimentation with abstraction and geometric formalism.