Panama 1985

Eduardo Arroyo made this painting, titled "Panama", with fluid lines and flat planes of color. The figures emerge through the act of painting itself. It's like watching a dance, with the artist leading the way and discovering new moves as they go. I can imagine Arroyo in his studio, brush in hand, thinking about art history, politics, and maybe even some personal stuff. What did he want to put in and what to leave out? The black silhouettes against the brown background are strong and assertive. Look how that single line manages to capture a sense of movement. Each brushstroke, each decision contributes to the emotional resonance of the work. Arroyo, like many artists, is in conversation with the painters who came before him and his contemporaries. He has been inspired by and has, in turn, inspired countless others. Painting is a way to embrace uncertainty and allow for multiple interpretations. Arroyo's painting lets us connect with the artist's vision while still leaving room for our own.