“El Grito II,” created by Oswaldo Guayasamín in 1983, is a portrait stemming from the Expressionism art movement. The artwork profoundly conveys raw emotion, utilizing distorted and exaggerated forms to evoke a visceral response from the viewer.
In the artwork, a figure is depicted with a skeletal visage characterized by earthy, muted tones. The facial features are elongated and exaggerated, with wide eyes and an open mouth, suggesting an anguished scream. The figure’s hands dominate the composition, positioned prominently on either side of the face, their elongated fingers seemingly reaching out in a gesture of distress. The background is rendered in dark hues, accentuating the stark, dramatic presence of the figure. Guayasamín’s use of sharp lines and striking contrasts further intensifies the emotional gravity of the piece, encapsulating the essence of human suffering and despair.
