Hidden Between the Layers

The work depicts a stylised female profile, almost entirely composed of bold abstract blocks of colour. At first glance, the composition appears to consist mainly of thick layers of green, turquoise, blue and black. On closer inspection, however, one discovers a face turned towards the right. It is precisely that moment of recognition that gives the work its particular tension: abstract art slowly transforms into a portrait before the viewer’s eyes.

The large mint-green shape at the top outlines the forehead and extends down to the strikingly angular nose. A small dark area suggests the eye, whilst subtle variations in the paint create the shape of the mouth and chin. The deep black and anthracite sections behind the face can be interpreted as hair. Beneath these, light blue-green areas form the neck and the transition to the body.

What is remarkable is that no attempt is made anywhere to render the face realistically. Thick palette knife strokes, sharp edges and visible layers, on the contrary, remain a dominant feature. As a result, the image constantly balances between a female portrait and geometric abstraction. A small peach-coloured area on the left provides an unexpectedly warm accent amidst all the cool tones.

The work invites a second look: first you see colour and texture, then she appears. And once discovered, the face can hardly be hidden any longer.