“Серия ‘Маски’ №26,” painted by Zeng Fanzhi in the year 1995, is a compelling artwork that measures 200 by 180 centimeters. This piece is part of the renowned “Masks” series.
The artwork presents two figures, seated side by side, each donning a mask that starkly contrasts with the raw depiction of their bodies. The figures appear to be clones of one another, characterized by their matching attire – a simple shirt, vest, and pants. The use of color is striking, with the red highlights on the faces, hands, and feet offering a jarring juxtaposition against the muted background and clothing tones. The expressions on the faces, obscured by the masks, evince a sense of distress or agony, adding an emotional depth to the composition. The background is a plain, subdued yellow, accentuating the focus on the figures themselves. This painting, in its raw and evocative style, reflects Zeng Fanzhi’s exploration of identity and the human condition through the medium of masked personas.
