#36352 Francisco Mateos

The drawing presents a scene populated by figures exhibiting distress and vulnerability, set against a backdrop that suggests confinement or enclosure. Here we see five individuals arranged in a compressed space; their postures are slumped, heads bowed, and expressions convey anxiety or despair. The artist has rendered them with exaggerated features – prominent noses, deeply shadowed eyes – which contribute to an overall sense of unease.
Above the group, a horse-like creature is depicted in mid-flight, its form distorted and unsettling. It carries what appears to be a weapon or tool extending from its mouth, adding another layer of threat to the composition. The animal’s posture suggests both power and instability, as if it were caught between ascent and descent.
The figures are seated on what seems to be a raised platform or ledge, which further emphasizes their isolation. Their clothing is rudimentary, suggesting a lack of status or privilege. One figure holds a pointed object – perhaps an arrow or spear – aimed downwards, though its purpose remains ambiguous; it could represent aggression, defense, or simply a gesture of helplessness.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette and rough linework contribute to its starkness and emotional intensity. The absence of color amplifies the sense of bleakness and despair. The sketchy quality of the lines suggests an immediacy and urgency in the artists execution.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of oppression, vulnerability, and the precariousness of existence. The horse-like creature could symbolize a force beyond human control – perhaps political power or natural disaster – while the figures represent those who are subjected to its influence. The confined space suggests a lack of freedom and agency, while the expressions of distress underscore the psychological toll of such circumstances. Overall, the drawing conveys a powerful sense of suffering and the struggle for survival in an environment marked by uncertainty and threat.