#24478 Jose Balmes

Here we see a work that appears to be a layered collage and mixed-media composition on what seems to be paper or canvas. The overall effect is one of fragmentation and deconstruction, with elements seemingly superimposed and partially obscured.
The background consists of heavily textured areas, suggesting the presence of printed text – possibly newspaper or book pages – that has been significantly altered through abrasion or layering. This creates a sense of palimpsest, where previous information remains visible beneath newer additions. The color palette is muted, dominated by grays and whites, with occasional bursts of red, orange, and blue that draw the eye.
Several distinct sections are demarcated by handwritten numerals (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), suggesting a deliberate structuring or compartmentalization of the work. Section 3 features a concentrated area of vibrant red and orange paint applied with energetic brushstrokes, contrasting sharply with the surrounding muted tones. This could represent an emotional outburst or focal point within the larger composition.
Section 4 is defined by a roughly drawn X, which bisects the space diagonally. The presence of this mark introduces a sense of disruption or negation. Section 5 contains what appears to be a gestural depiction of a human form, rendered in dark tones with visible brushstrokes. This figure seems abstracted and incomplete, further contributing to the feeling of fragmentation.
The inclusion of fragments of printed material – what appear to be labels or snippets of text – adds another layer of complexity. These textual elements are largely illegible, but their presence suggests a commentary on language, communication, or the loss of meaning. The handwritten numerals themselves contribute to this sense of deconstruction, as if the artist is actively dismantling conventional systems of organization and representation.
The overall impression is one of controlled chaos – a deliberate arrangement of disparate elements that resists easy interpretation. It evokes themes of memory, loss, and the instability of meaning. The work seems less concerned with depicting a specific subject matter than with exploring the processes of layering, erasure, and reconstruction.