“Madame Lumumba,” crafted by Wifredo Lam in 1938, is a portrait belonging to the Cubism art movement. This artwork, executed in gouache on paper, measures 64.5 x 49.5 cm.
The artwork illustrates an abstracted human figure, utilizing a stylized form characteristic of Cubism. The figure’s face, rendered in geometric shapes, is dominated by an amalgamation of triangular and rectangular forms intersecting with one another. A striking use of colors – predominantly muted earth tones accented by brighter hues – adds depth to the portrait. The hair is depicted with vertical green strokes, juxtaposed against a background of subtle, blended shades that seem to dissolve into the figure, creating a harmonious yet fragmented composition. Through these abstract forms and vibrant yet restrained color palette, the artwork epitomizes a unique interpretation of the human visage, emphasizing both abstraction and expression.
