Description

Carlos Quinto Kemm’s “Original Face” is a work that leads us on a profound journey into the depths of self-discovery, rooted in both mysticism and introspection. The painting is a visual meditation on the concept of identity, inviting the viewer to confront their own true nature—before the world shaped them, before they became defined by the roles they play in life.

At the center of the piece is a surreal desert landscape, bathed in the shadows of night. The barren terrain stretches endlessly, but within it, faces begin to emerge, subtly embedded in the clouds, the mountains, and the earth itself. These faces aren’t immediately clear. Instead, they appear as if they are part of the environment, suggesting that humanity and nature are not separate, but intertwined. It’s as though Kemm is reminding us that our true self, our “original face,” lies beneath the layers we build around ourselves over time.

A figure in the painting holds an owl in their hands, releasing it into the night. The owl, a timeless symbol of wisdom and insight, seems to be taking flight not just from the figure’s hands but from their very being. The act of releasing it feels like an awakening—a shedding of preconceived notions, a letting go of the ego, and a moment of enlightenment. Perhaps, this is a symbol of knowledge that transcends human understanding, one that can only be grasped when we let go of our attachments to the material and the known.

The desert, with its stark and quiet expanse, adds to the sense of introspection. Nightfall here is not a source of fear or darkness but an invitation to explore the unknown, to delve deeper into the recesses of the mind and soul. The silence of the desert evokes the stillness needed to connect with one’s true self. In Zen philosophy, the concept of the “original face” refers to the face one had before they were born, before identity, culture, and expectations were imposed. Kemm’s painting suggests that this “original face” is not lost but hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

As one spends more time with “Original Face,” the layers of the painting begin to reveal themselves. The faces, once elusive, come into sharper focus, reminding the viewer that self-understanding is a process—one that requires patience, contemplation, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious. The faces are not merely symbolic but an invitation to explore the connection between humanity and the natural world, reinforcing the idea that our truest selves are not separate from the world around us but intrinsically linked to it.

Through this painting, Carlos Quinto Kemm takes us on a journey not just across a physical landscape but through the inner landscape of the soul. “Original Face” challenges us to reflect on who we are, who we were, and who we might become if we could peel back the layers of influence and return to a state of pure, untainted being. It is a call to seek knowledge, wisdom, and ultimately, the truth of ourselves.