Chirimía

Bold, unfiltered, and rooted in ceremonial expression, Chirimía by Baltazar Castellano Melo captures the visceral essence of indigenous ritual. A black-faced figure commands the canvas with exaggerated red lips, exposed white teeth, and an extended blue tongue — all framed by vivid streaks of red and turquoise that fall like ritual paint or ceremonial cloth. The surface is richly textured with etched lines that give the work physical and visual depth. This painting is a masterclass in contrast: the playful, almost cartoonish face is layered over a dark and scratched background, hinting at layers of emotion beneath the surface. The eyes—piercing, wide, and watchful—anchor the viewer in an uncanny, immersive gaze. Whether interpreted as a mask, a character, or a spirit, the piece pulses with Guerrero’s cultural energy and the artist’s commitment to raw visual storytelling.