Le Général dans son labyrinthe 2015

Curator: Looking at this painting by Carlos Sablón, created in 2015 and titled "Le Général dans son labyrinthe," my first reaction is… melancholy. A strangely regal, botanical melancholy. Editor: The surrealist turn is arresting, isn’t it? A military uniform topped not with a head, but with the gnarled trunk and flourishing leaves of a tree. This feels ripe for symbolic unpacking, especially in light of historical narratives surrounding power and legacy. Curator: Right! The tree – the general’s "head" – has this lovely, almost mournful quality. It makes me think of growth and decay, the passage of time turning grand ambition into… well, arboreal contemplation, I suppose? Editor: It powerfully disrupts the glorification often associated with military portraiture. By literally emptying the head and replacing it with nature, Sablón seems to be commenting on the hubris of conquest. Note, too, the seemingly endless landscape and small home or residence; consider the socio-economic and global reach the ‘general’ commands by proxy. Curator: It does make you wonder about legacy, what remains when the battles are over and the empires crumble. The stark contrast between the pomp of the uniform and the quiet rustling of leaves is masterful. Editor: And the dove taking flight from the foliage! A potent symbol of peace emerging, perhaps, from the wreckage of militarism. This work really invites reflection on cycles of power, nature's enduring presence, and the possibility of renewal after destruction. Curator: Definitely. I also appreciate the detail Sablón gives to the landscape; these painterly techniques, with a surrealist lens, makes me want to dive in to decode every bit. The work truly embodies so many stories in a way words simply cannot! Editor: It’s a strong reminder that even the grandest figures of history are subject to nature's rhythm. In a way, Sablón’s choice is very optimistic. Perhaps there is no better “head” than that which blossoms? Curator: Absolutely. After our chat, it is even easier for me to dive even further into its meanings. Thanks! Editor: Thank you; it's a painting that certainly stays with you long after you’ve left the gallery. A beautiful critique.