Corrida II 1951

Oscar Dominguez made this painting, Corrida II, with oil on canvas. It’s all sharp angles and bold colours, like he's trying to pin down the frantic energy of a bullfight in one still image. The paint here is applied in flat planes that give it almost a stained-glass feel. There's a real emphasis on line, which boldly defines each form and gives a sense of structure to the whole composition. Look at the bull's back, how it curves with tension. It’s a bit like Picasso, but with an added punch of graphic clarity. I love how Dominguez simplifies everything down to its basic shapes, but doesn't lose the drama. The matador stands to the side, a splash of bright red and yellow against the earthy tones of the arena. It’s like he’s frozen a moment of high tension, and challenged us to figure out what happens next. It is a conversation between the conscious and unconscious minds.