Angeles Agrela
Tilda, 2020
acrylic and colored pencil on paper
79 ⅞ x 59 ⅝ in.
(202.9 x 151.4 cm)
The Spanish artist Ángeles Agrela is turning heads with her recent series of drawings that explore the role of women in the history of art. The key feature of these drawings is the hair, which Agrela uses to create a powerful and symbolic representation of female identity.
In many of her drawings, the hair completely obscures the face, leaving us to focus on the mass of curls, waves, and braids. This is a bold move, and it forces us to confront the way that hair has been used throughout history to objectify and sexualize women. But Agrela is not simply criticizing the way that women have been portrayed. She is also using hair to celebrate the power and beauty of the female form. In her drawings, the hair is often wild and untamed, suggesting a primal energy that is both alluring and dangerous.
The drawings are also a feast for the eyes. Agrela uses a rich palette of colors and textures to create stunningly realistic images. The hair is rendered in such detail that it almost seems to move. Overall, Agrela’s drawings are a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the role of women in art and society. They are a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, gender, and identity.
Learn more from Angeles Agrela.