Name: The Load. Author: Javier Reyes YATAPAPUANI. 2015
Work done on wood (60x90) with a mixed acrylic-oil technique. The figures are distributed horizontally occupying the central part of the space. Some even leave the pictorial space insinuating the possibility of continuity beyond the margins. Above them the sky laden with darkness and under the legs of the horses the ground in a vertiginous race. The aerial perspective insinuates us the presence of other figures in the distance completing the space with suspect bodies. The stroke is very loose and full of paint and violence. The vibration of the theme is transmitted to the brushstroke leaving the drawing in the background. The movement is the protagonist in this work hence the brushstroke is sharp, incisive, violent. similarly, the color does not correspond to reality; It is not a realistic color. Rather it is a premonitory color that reflects the mood of the characters at the same time as the outcome of the ride. The figures do not pretend to be realistic (the subject did not ask for it that way), perhaps they remember a little of Goya's black paintings, and perhaps they were inspired by a similar pessimism or uneasiness. Thus the figures are almost grotesque, wildly oblivious to any type of aesthetic requirement. Although they lack the hieratism of Romanesque if they have a symbolic or schematic character. The coloring is gradual and tends to seek a certain balance between the cold and warm ranges, giving a certain sense of autonomy and chromatic fullness. The origin of light is mysterious. It comes from the background of the topic. In fact the figures seem to move driven by light creating the illusion of speed. The riders move wrapped in that light; aligned, accompanied by her as if the light were also played something in the battle. In this way it creates certain against light; causing a blinding effect on the viewer. Who feels the urge to step aside and get safe.
The history of the human being can hardly be separated from the equine. They have accompanied us from the beginning of time until the steam engine was invented and a little later the explosion engine. Although in history that is an insignificant moment they make us up. The "advances of one without the other" are not understood. That is why there is a tribute to these beings in this painting. In fact the knights are precisely because of riding on horseback. Determinant participation in wars; in times of peace and war. War is another recurring theme in the picture. Although it is not the representation of a war in particular of recognizable armies. They are anonymous as each one of us is. nor is it the representation of a real war that has taken place in the world. Rather it is the representation of that state of belligerence in which life places us without wanting. "That life was serious," said Gil de Biedma in one of his poems. And it's true, and sometimes you feel that way. That life falls on you with all its harshness and the only thing you can is to step aside, throw yourself on the floor and put your hands on your head. And in that moment you tell yourself that "life is not being as you imagined as a child". It's less sweet, less kind than you expected it to be. Horrible things happen that force you to get up and fight; clench your teeth and maybe scream and go charging.