Storytelling 

Valeria Duca’s oil painting presents a young woman in a state of contemplation. The painting is dominated by cool blues and grays, juxtaposed with the warmer tones of the woman's skin and the browns on the right. The loose brushstrokes and the hazy background contribute to a dreamlike, introspective atmosphere. Consider how Duca employs a limited palette to convey depth and emotion. The figure appears grounded yet also seems to dissolve into the surrounding space, blurring the boundaries between subject and environment. This is reinforced by the ghostly, looming presence of the figure behind. The painting encourages us to contemplate the nature of identity and representation. It challenges the traditional portrait by focusing on the subject's inner world rather than external appearance. In doing so, the artwork invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences.