Gaze among the Curls

About the work

A frontal face fills the centre of the sheet. Dark clusters emphasise the eyes, a long nose divides unevenly hatched cheeks, and short horizontals gather around the mouth. Lines intersect most closely at the neck and shoulders. The drawing loosens at the sides, where small loops, arcs and open marks surround two slender upright forms. A circle bearing small marks sits above the form on the left.

The changing density prevents the face from becoming an evenly shaded volume. It takes shape through directions, overlaps and pale intervals. The restless peripheral ornament accentuates the stillness of the direct gaze. A horizontal behind the head connects the side elements, maintaining a clear distinction between the heavy centre and its more open surroundings.