F05 Ullo Cheri Beryl Cook

The composition presents two figures in a nocturnal urban setting. The artist has rendered them with exaggerated features and a stylized aesthetic. One woman stands slightly ahead, clad in dark blue trousers and a black turtleneck sweater. Her hair is a mass of tight curls, and her expression appears somewhat anxious or preoccupied as she glances towards the left. She wears black high heels, and her hands are prominently displayed, exhibiting meticulously painted red nails.
Behind her, another woman is positioned closer to the viewer. She is dressed in a pink sweater over what seems to be a brief, patterned garment and thigh-high stockings. Her hair is cropped short, and she holds a walking stick or cane with a silver handle. A playful smirk adorns her face, suggesting confidence and perhaps amusement at the situation unfolding.
The background reveals a street scene, illuminated by the warm glow of windows in buildings across the way. A sign, partially obscured but bearing the words Grippe and “Pharmacie,” is visible on the left side, hinting at a concern for health or well-being within this environment. The pavement beneath their feet is rendered with broad strokes, creating a sense of depth and perspective.
The color palette is dominated by blues, blacks, pinks, and reds, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and slightly unsettling. The exaggerated proportions and stylized rendering suggest a focus on character rather than realistic representation. There’s a deliberate disconnect between the figures attire and their apparent emotional states; the woman in the pink sweater exudes a carefree attitude while her companion seems burdened by something unseen.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of companionship, perhaps hinting at an underlying dynamic of support or even playful teasing between the two women. The presence of the pharmacy sign introduces a layer of social commentary, possibly referencing anxieties about health and societal expectations within a modern urban context. Overall, the work conveys a sense of stylized narrative, inviting viewers to interpret the relationship between these figures and their surroundings.