Still there, 2020

Salah Sayes  

This striking portrait captures a moment of profound introspection. The artist employs the humble ballpoint pen to create a complex web of textures. Fine lines intersect and overlap. They build a sense of volume and psychological depth. A monochromatic palette of deep blue and black dominates the composition. The figure emerges from a dark void. The face is rendered with a raw, expressive energy. Distorted proportions evoke a feeling of inner turmoil or spiritual weight. This approach aligns with a contemporary vision of African art. It blends traditional portraiture with an avant-garde sensibility. The background consists of rhythmic, hatched patterns. These lines mimic a landscape of thought or a fractured environment. Every stroke is deliberate. The contrast between the dark clothing and the illuminated skin draws the viewer toward the subject's gaze. This artwork transforms a simple writing tool into a medium for high emotional intensity. The composition focuses on the tension between light and shadow. It culminates in the meticulous detailing of the facial features and the sharp contour of the shoulder.