#04082 Mohammad Arifin

The painting presents a portrait rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a limited palette dominated by ochre, green, red, and blue. The subject is a young woman viewed in profile, her gaze directed upwards and slightly off-center. Her features are simplified, almost stylized, with an emphasis on the large, dark eyes that convey a sense of introspection or melancholy.
The artist employed thick impasto throughout the composition, creating a textured surface that adds to the emotional intensity. The application of paint is not smooth; instead, visible strokes and layering suggest a deliberate attempt to capture fleeting moments and raw emotion rather than precise representation. A band of blue defines the neck and shoulder, contrasting with the warm tones of the face and hair.
The background is an abstract field of color and form, seemingly constructed from fragmented shapes and lines. These elements do not offer a realistic setting but instead contribute to the overall feeling of psychological depth. The brushstrokes in the background appear agitated, further amplifying the sense of inner turmoil or complexity suggested by the subjects expression.
The hand placed near the lower portion of the portrait is rendered with similar expressive strokes and appears almost protective, as if shielding the face. This gesture introduces a layer of vulnerability to the portrayal. The signature in the bottom left corner, along with the date (2005), provides contextual information without disrupting the visual impact of the work.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of introspection and perhaps even isolation. The upward gaze suggests longing or aspiration, while the simplified features and expressive brushwork convey a sense of emotional rawness. The abstract background reinforces this feeling by denying any grounding in external reality, focusing instead on the internal landscape of the subject.