Retrato de chico rosa (1986) is an exemplary work from the Costus universe, signed “Costus de O,” reflecting Juan Carrero Galofré’s distinctive approach to portraiture during a particularly fertile period in the duo’s artistic development. Created using mixed media on paper, the piece combines direct, expressive mark-making with a refined sense of chromatic impact. The result is a portrait that prioritizes visual structure and symbolic presence over traditional representation.
The composition centers on a stylized face rendered in a vivid, highly saturated pink that dominates the pictorial field. This uncompromising use of color serves as the key to the work’s identity, transforming the figure into a visual statement of intensity and immediacy. The facial features—outlined in firm black strokes—provide clarity and definition, guiding the viewer’s attention across the portrait’s planar surfaces. The eyes, slightly asymmetrical yet boldly delineated, introduce a sense of psychological focus without relying on naturalistic detail.
The choice of mixed media gives the surface a dynamic quality, where the interplay between opaque and translucent layers enhances the depth of the chromatic field. Areas of darker pigment, particularly in the hair and neck, contrast with the bright pink tones to create a rhythmic balance within the composition. The background, rendered in a muted brown, provides a neutral counterpoint that stabilizes the intensity of the central figure and reinforces the portrait’s frontal, iconic presentation.
As in many works from this period, Costus employs a graphic language that draws on pop influences while maintaining a distinctly personal vocabulary. The simplification of form, the bold chromatic choices, and the decisive linework all contribute to a visual identity that is unmistakably theirs. This is not a portrait in the conventional sense, but rather an exploration of figure as symbol—an image that stands at the intersection of stylization, identity, and contemporary visual culture.
With dimensions of 49 x 34 cm, Retrato de chico rosa is a notable example of Costus’ ability to achieve expressive power within a relatively intimate format. Signed and dated 1986, the work encapsulates the aesthetic coherence and formal experimentation that define the artist’s contribution to Spanish contemporary art. Its technical execution and strong visual presence make it a compelling acquisition for collectors seeking early and character-defining pieces within the Costus oeuvre.
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