This artwork by Myriam Van Calster unfolds as a rich and abundant composition where a multitude of stylized faces, sometimes in profile and sometimes facing forward, intertwine within a dense and narrative graphic universe. Created mainly with black ink enhanced by touches of red, yellow, and green, the drawing evokes an imaginary theater populated by singular characters and mysterious scenes.
The figures, with their varied expressions, merge into a geometric setting reminiscent of stained glass windows, patchworks, or ancient architecture. Hatching, checkerboard patterns, and graphic lines structure the composition while creating a sense of movement and visual flow. On the left side, a bell tower discreetly rises within the landscape, while enigmatic characters — such as a witch or a jester — bring a poetic, fantastical, and almost carnival-like dimension to the whole scene.
The contrast between the black-and-white drawing and the vivid touches of color gives rhythm and energy to the artwork. The layering of forms, meticulous details, and numerous hidden faces invite the viewer to explore the piece slowly and discover new stories and symbols over time.
Through this contemporary figurative artwork combining drawing, ink, and graphic motifs, Myriam Van Calster creates a rich visual universe where memory, imagination, architecture, and humanity meet in an expressive and abundant harmony.
