Exhausted from Work 1997

Morteza Katouzian's "Exhausted from Work" is a painting which captures a quiet moment of repose through earthy tones. The ochres and browns make you feel the grit of a long day. Look at the way Katouzian uses light and shadow to sculpt the figure. The paint isn't overly thick, but you can sense the artist's hand in the subtle gradations, especially around the face and hands. The way his hand loosely grips that brush, the brushstrokes mimic the tiredness; it’s not just a portrait, it's a mood, a feeling. It reminds me of Lucien Freud, but with a warmth. This piece isn't just about representing a worker; it's about empathy, and the universality of exhaustion. Painting is a constant conversation; it's about seeing and feeling and interpreting, over and over.