For this abstract tribal woman portrait I used pastels to give strength to the sign, with marked strokes and bright colors that create an intense contrast with the dark background.
I made a beaded collage for tribal clothing that encircles the neck and goes down the woman’s chest. This element serves to give attention to cultural details and a tribute to the value of craftsmanship in tribal cultures.
The use of the mixed technique of oil painting and pastel drawing adds different textures and depth to the work, creating a dynamic interplay of materials. Oil can give shine and intensity to colors while pastels can add softness and shading. The beads, then, add a three-dimensional element that breaks the two-dimensionality typical of painting and drawing, giving life and tangibility to the woman depicted.
With this African tribal portrait I wanted to convey a strong sense of individuality and a reference to the beauty of tribal cultures, celebrating their uniqueness and their intrinsic connection with the natural environment. I also wanted to create a sense of strength and dignity emanating from the portrait, which is intended to represent the spirit of all cultures living in harmony with the natural world.