Linhas de Sombra 

Lourdes Castro's 'Linhas de Sombra' presents us with a serene yet unsettling composition in cool blues. Three potted plants are depicted with minimalist outlines against a gradient background, creating a play between presence and absence. The lines, seemingly simple, trace the contours of plants and pots, yet their starkness against the soft backdrop invokes a sense of something missing, a shadow. The single-line technique, reminiscent of contour drawing, flattens the image, almost challenging our perception, highlighting the interplay between line and space. This work destabilizes traditional representation. By focusing on outlines, Castro invites us to consider the essence of form. The shadows, or lack thereof, become a central theme, suggesting that what is not there can be as important as what is. The cool, monochromatic palette adds to the dreamlike quality, evoking a space between reality and representation. Ultimately, it is the very simplicity of the lines in this image that functions as a powerful semiotic device. The absence of color and detail encourages us to look beyond the surface and contemplate the deeper structures of perception and representation.