Frau mit Spiegel 2012

Manuela Sambo made 'Frau mit Spiegel', or 'Woman with Mirror', a painting with dimensions 100 x 80 cm. The woman's gaze is cast down towards the mirror in her hand, her face and body are covered in tribal markings. I'm curious as to whether the painter began with the outline of a figure, or allowed it to emerge organically through a buildup of color and pattern. I imagine Sambo, deeply engrossed, adding layers upon layers, each stroke informed by the last. The painting surface is like a palimpsest, a site of continuous transformation. The woman’s skin is a curious shade of green. The black ink of her tattoos feels ancient, like the memory of generations is inscribed on her. Her red lips contrast with the muted tones of her complexion. This act of adornment is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a powerful declaration of identity. Looking at this image, I'm reminded how painting is a conduit for artists to explore personal, cultural, and historical narratives. And how lucky we are that this piece is still in conversation with us.