#38632 Esteban Frances

Here we see a work that appears to be a screenprint, characterized by its vibrant pink and purple palette and a distinct graphic style. The composition is layered, creating a sense of depth while maintaining a flattened aesthetic typical of the medium.
A central figure dominates the left side: a stylized sailor rendered in bold lines and flat planes of color. His skin is an unusual red, contrasting sharply with his navy blue uniform and white cap bearing the name Alfonso Xim. He points directly at a large depiction of a banknote – specifically, what appears to be a 100-peso note from Argentina. The banknote’s design features portraits of men, further emphasizing its official and monetary significance.
The background is composed of a repeating pattern resembling wallpaper or paneling, contributing to the overall sense of artificiality and constructed space. A painters palette, filled with various colors, rests on the lower right corner, seemingly discarded or awaiting use. The presence of this palette suggests an artistic process, potentially linking the sailor figure to the creation of the image itself. A small label reads Numero 100, further reinforcing a sense of numbering and categorization.
The painting’s subtext seems to revolve around themes of value, representation, and perhaps even critique. The sailors gesture towards the banknote implies an examination or commentary on its worth – is it being celebrated, questioned, or simply presented for observation? The unusual coloring of the sailor’s skin could be interpreted as a symbolic distancing from conventional representations, suggesting a critical perspective on societal norms or power structures. The inclusion of the artist’s palette hints at the constructed nature of reality and the role of art in shaping perceptions.
The works deliberate flatness and graphic style contribute to its overall sense of detachment and irony, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between image, money, identity, and artistic creation.