L.E.S. 1967

Carlos Alonso painted L.E.S. with visible brushstrokes that give the impression of a figure emerging from the ground. I imagine Alonso really grappling with this image, layering and scraping away at the paint. See how he captures the weight of the figure with those thick, almost sculptural strokes, but then leaves other areas thin and transparent? It's like he's searching for the right balance between presence and absence, solidity and ephemerality. I love that. The color palette of reds, yellows, and browns also feels significant. The yellows are earthy and warm, creating a sense of groundedness and stability, while the reds add a touch of intensity. The use of these colors creates a sense of depth and complexity. You can feel the influence of painters like Francis Bacon or even Goya here, in the raw and vulnerable way Alonso portrays the human form. It’s all part of this never-ending conversation that painters have with each other across time.