“El Verano,” created by Carlos Merida in 1981, exemplifies the Cubism art movement and belongs to the abstract genre. The artwork features a composition of vertical and geometric forms that interplay with shadow and light to evoke a sense of complex abstraction.
In this artwork, vertical blocks of warm hues—primarily yellows, oranges, and deep browns—are juxtaposed against segments of dark, almost black, shades. Despite the painting’s abstract nature, the use of color and form evokes a dynamic sense of depth and movement. The central area of the composition features a more concentrated blend of colors, possibly suggesting a focal point amidst the vertical lines that dominate the work. The interplay of light and shadow adds a layered, almost three-dimensional effect to the piece. The overall composition speaks to the Cubist fascination with fragmented forms and abstract representations, capturing the essence of the summer season as suggested by the artwork’s title, “El Verano.”