Struggle 

Valeria Duca’s painting, "Struggle," presents a figure caught in a dynamic pose, rendered with expressive brushwork and a muted palette that evokes a sense of tension. The composition centres on the interplay between the figure's flowing hair, the stark lines of her clothing, and the contrasting textures of skin and fabric. The artist employs a limited range of tones, primarily dark blacks and browns against a pale background, which heightens the emotional intensity. The texture of the paint itself contributes to the overall feeling of unease, with visible strokes and drips suggesting a raw, unfinished quality. In semiotic terms, the swirling hair and contorted posture could be interpreted as signs of inner turmoil, while the dark clothing might represent a barrier or constraint. Duca's focus on form and materiality challenges fixed meanings. It invites us to consider the artwork not merely as a representation, but as an exploration of complex themes. This exploration resides in the very act of painting, where each brushstroke contributes to the destabilization of established categories and meanings.