La hispanista (Nissa Torrents) 

R. B. Kitaj created *La hispanista (Nissa Torrents)* using oil paints, applying them to canvas in a manner that blends figuration and abstraction. Kitaj built up the image through layers of paint, resulting in a surface that feels both carefully considered and spontaneous. The materiality of the oil paint allows for a rich color palette and varied textures, particularly evident in the rendering of the figures and the landscape. The visible brushstrokes and the blending of colors give a tactile quality to the artwork. The choice of oil on canvas firmly places the work within the tradition of Western painting, yet Kitaj’s approach to the medium feels contemporary. There is a tension between the smooth, blended areas and the more visible, gestural marks. The painting bridges the gap between historical techniques and modern sensibilities. This combination of material and method invites us to consider the broader context of Kitaj's practice, which challenged traditional distinctions between fine art and other creative practices.