View of the City of Havana

Rene Portocarrero’s View of the City of Havana is a riot of color and form that really captures the vibrant spirit of the place. The piece feels like an explosion, right? The palette is bold: reds, blues, yellows, and blacks which create a sense of energy and movement. Looking closely, you can see how Portocarrero applies the paint in layers. The marks are loose and gestural, creating a kind of organized chaos across the surface. There's a wonderful tension between representation and abstraction. The lines are thick and confident, yet they weave and intersect in unexpected ways, suggesting a city in constant flux. The way Portocarrero uses black to outline the buildings and figures reminds me a little of Rouault, who also used heavy lines to create a sense of depth and drama. Ultimately, this painting is not just a picture of Havana, it's an invitation to experience the city through Portocarrero’s eyes, full of life and color.