#15765 Oswaldo Guayasamin

The painting presents a distorted portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and expressive color. The figure dominates the composition, filling nearly the entire frame against a dark green background that contributes to a sense of isolation and intensity.
Here we see a face constructed from sharp planes and exaggerated features. The brow is heavy and pronounced, casting deep shadows over the eyes, which are rendered with an unsettlingly bright blue hue. This contrast creates a feeling of piercing scrutiny or perhaps menace. The nose is elongated and flattened, while the mouth is stretched into a grimace that suggests discomfort or suppressed rage. A prominent chin juts forward, adding to the overall impression of aggression.
The artist employed a limited palette primarily consisting of earthy tones – ochres, browns, and creams – punctuated by the startling blue of the eyes. These colors are applied in broad strokes, with visible brushwork contributing to the painting’s raw emotional power. The lack of subtle shading or blending emphasizes the fragmented nature of the face, as if it were pieced together from disparate elements.
The subtexts within this work seem to explore themes of psychological distress and inner turmoil. The exaggerated features and distorted proportions suggest a departure from realistic representation, instead aiming to convey an emotional state rather than physical likeness. The unsettling gaze and grimace imply a sense of suffering or suppressed anger. It is possible that the painting intends to depict not just a man, but also a symbolic representation of human vulnerability and the darker aspects of the psyche. The stark background further isolates the figure, amplifying its feelings of alienation and despair.