Must Have ▷ Puro… Alegría#III -Neo on wood by Sparshatt Dalzell, 2024 | Mixed Media Painting

Puro… Alegría #III. This piece is a mixed media collaboration between two artists.A photographic portrait taken in 2001 by James Sparshatt on Plaza de la Catedral in Havana, Cuba, is given new life and spirit through painter Rachael Dalzell’s bold use of paint and colour.

The piece does not require a frame and is ready to hang.

Unique piece
Direct print on beech wood with neon and iridescent acrylic paint.
Signed by both artists
Size 70 x 70cm

Graciela was an icon of Old Havana in Cuba.The portrait has her face half-shrouded in smoke which evokes a sense of mystery and depth. The photograph captures her weathered features, subtly hinting at the passage of time etched across her visage. The audacious pops of color breathe life into the composition. The oversized glasses, saturated with a reflective blue, introduce a modern, almost rebellious spirit to Graciela. Meanwhile, the vivid yellow earrings, dissected into a cascade of shapes, disrupt the monochrome serenity, drawing the eye with their radiant vibrancy. A cigar, clenched defiantly between her lips, exudes smoke which melds seamlessly with her wispy hair, adorned with a turquoise headscarf. This juxtaposition of elements creates a fascinating interplay between tradition and contemporary flair. 

This artwork is not merely a portrait; it is a statement on resilience, individuality, and the unapologetic embrace of one’s identity. In its essence, this piece commands attention and incites introspection.