DIJALMA DE SOUZA - Jogo Inspirador
 Medium: Acrylic on canvas | Dimensions: 59 x 64 cm | Year: 1980

 

ARTWORK FORMAL DESCRIPTION
Coastal landscape. In the upper part on the left is a face with feminine traits. The arm emerges from the left side of the frame and leans the chin with her hand. She wears an ornament on her head that resembles a cap or a hat, its color is white, and its base consists of colored thin strips – brown, blue, red, and yellow. One strip is larger than the others, and it is brown. The cap’s shape rising to the top resembles a hat; its stroke is blue. The person’s skin color is orange. Her face slightly tilts downwards with her eyes half-closed behind glasses of the pink frame. The lens reflects blue-green tones. The horizon line, which crosses the whole painting in the middle, is a blue line reminiscent of the ocean line. In its half, another female head emerges. She gazes to the side towards the painting viewer, her face slightly tilted close to her right shoulder. She has brown hair with some blueish-green strands. On the right side, in the middle of the frame, on the sidewalk, there is a lamppost. Instead of light or any other sign, there is a shape that resembles a vinyl record. In the lower half of the frame, there is a street corner that curves to the right. On the bottom right, where the street curve begins, there is a sidewalk, curbs, and a green area that reminds of lawn.

 

the artwork
Composition of representation of forms presenting oneiric and surreal characteristics; the shapes designed by the artist seem to have been taken from a dream or imagery – a corner by the sea and two figures facing each other and floating in space. This art piece is an invitation for the viewers to look inside themselves and face their fears and discover the beauties that are within. Beauties that, in the present moment, end up being hidden.

 

FOR REFLECTION

Without sticking to the title chosen by the author to challenge us on interpreting his artwork, and while living this moment of social isolation, this painting resembles a window. A window opened towards a deserted street, where a solitary figure stares into the void while another is patient and resigned. Where are we in this context? Are we looking out the window? Else, looking at the horizon? Or are we looking at ourselves? What are we projecting? Is this game inspiring? Image and title challenge us.

 

TECHNIQUE – ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

Acrylic painting is a relatively recent technique in history. The paint originates from colored powder (pigments) mixed with an acrylic resin that is generally quick-drying. Characteristics of acrylic paint comprise a quick-drying, easy application, and it is translucent when dry. Another fundamental feature of acrylic colors is that they are indissoluble after drying. Thus, brushes need washing in water before drying, and if it does, it will need alcohol to dissolve the paint. Opposite to oil painting, the shading technique is more difficult with acrylic precisely for its quick drying. Yet, acrylic colors can be easily blended and thinned with water, which is also beneficial when correcting unwanted parts and colors of the painting before drying (HiSoUR). The first synthetic paintings appeared in the 1930s in the United States. These paints were applied on cars or buildings until painters began to use them for artistic purposes. This technique, as we know it today, was invented in 1963 by chemist Henry Levinson. Andy Warhol applied this technique in his artworks.