#11411 Riccardo Schweizer

The drawing presents a figure dominated by a sense of oppressive weight and distorted anatomy. The individual is rendered in earthy tones – ochre, brown, and muted reds – against a stark blue background that isolates them further. The body appears massive, almost spherical, with exaggerated musculature and disproportionately large breasts. This physicality conveys an impression of confinement or burden.
The face, positioned centrally, displays a complex emotional register. Large, downturned eyes suggest melancholy or distress, while the heavily emphasized lips, painted in a vibrant red, introduce a jarring element of theatricality or perhaps forced composure. The application of color around the eyes and mouth creates a mask-like effect, distancing the viewer from any sense of genuine emotion.
The figure’s hands are engaged in an unusual gesture: they hold a small, golden object – possibly a coin or medallion – and a fish. This juxtaposition is significant. The preciousness implied by the gold contrasts sharply with the raw, primal nature represented by the fish. It could be interpreted as a commentary on material wealth versus basic sustenance, or perhaps a symbolic representation of temptation and desire.
The artist’s use of line contributes to the overall feeling of unease. Lines are thick and often blurred, creating a sense of instability and lack of definition. The rendering lacks precision; details are suggested rather than meticulously depicted, which enhances the dreamlike quality of the work.
Subtly, there is an element of self-portraiture at play. The figure’s posture and expression suggest introspection and vulnerability, hinting at personal struggles or anxieties. The exaggerated features and distorted proportions could be read as a visual metaphor for feelings of inadequacy or alienation. Ultimately, the drawing evokes a sense of psychological complexity and existential questioning, leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding its underlying meaning.