Bulto 1939

Eldora P. Lorenzini created this watercolor, "Bulto", in 1939. The figure, rendered in earthy reds and browns, stands starkly against the pale background. The texture of the pigment creates depth, particularly in the long, robe-like garment that dominates the composition. Lorenzini plays with form and representation, creating a visual tension that challenges our perception. The stylized face, marked with symbolic elements, contrasts with the rough texture of the garment and the strangely detached feet. We also see a second, smaller face, floating to the side of the main figure. Here, Lorenzini destabilizes fixed meanings by combining elements in unexpected ways. The figure's ambiguous form and symbolic markings invite us to question traditional representations of religious icons. By isolating the bulto—a carved wooden sculpture of a saint—Lorenzini prompts us to consider how cultural objects embody and communicate meaning. The artwork becomes a space where form and content intersect, challenging the viewer to engage in an active process of interpretation.