“Retrato de Pedrito” exemplifies one of the most recognizable visual languages developed within the Costus universe: a direct, expressive approach to portraiture rooted in bold chromatic contrasts and a distinctly graphic treatment of form. The work presents a close-up figure whose facial construction is intentionally simplified yet rich in psychological nuance. The artist combines strong contour lines with layered acrylic tones, producing a portrait that is both immediate and contemplative.
The tonal palette is characteristic of Costus’s aesthetic experimentation during this period. Deep blacks around the eyes intensify the figure’s gaze, while variations of coral, rose, and muted orange in the complexion introduce warmth and emotional tension. The cool blue background acts as a visual counterbalance, emphasising the figure’s presence while avoiding narrative distraction. This chromatic balance is not accidental; it aligns with the duo’s long-standing exploration of contrast as a tool for emotional compression and visual impact.
Executed in acrylic on canvas, the work demonstrates clear confidence in the medium. Brushstrokes remain visible, allowing the viewer to trace the painter’s gestures and decisions. This textural honesty is a key component of many Costus works, especially those by Juan Carrero Galofré, whose hand is often recognized for its directness and refusal to overwork the surface. The portrait—with its frontal composition and graphic immediacy—also echoes the strong influence of Mediterranean figuration, pop-inflected colour strategies, and the vibrant cultural environment in which the artists operated.
“Retrato de Pedrito” belongs to a broader body of portraits that capture individuals not in a literal or biographical manner, but rather as archetypal presences. The figure becomes an emblem of introspective strength, presented through an aesthetic vocabulary that merges spontaneity with formal clarity. Collectors familiar with Costus’s production will recognize in this work a distilled essence of their visual identity: bold, unfiltered, and determinedly human.
No products in the cart.