Frau im Profil 2001

Manuela Sambo made this striking profile portrait, Frau im Profil, with paint on canvas. Look closely, and you'll notice how Sambo has built up the image, layer by layer. Imagine her, circling the canvas, stepping back, then diving in again with her brush. What was she thinking as she scored those lines into the ochre face? Maybe she wanted to reveal something hidden beneath the surface, like an archaeologist carefully excavating an ancient site. The colors are earthy and warm, a terracotta body against a cool, muted background. See how the patterned lines create a kind of map, not just on the figure, but of the artist's thoughts, tracing a journey of discovery. It reminds me of Gustav Klimt, and yet, Sambo has her own unique voice, using pattern to map the body. Each mark feels deliberate, yet open to interpretation. That’s what I love about painting – it embraces ambiguity and offers a space where we, as viewers, can bring our own experiences and perspectives to the conversation.