Chirimía: Flash of Lightning

Explosive in both energy and symbolism, Chirimía: Flash of Lightning by Baltazar Castellano Melo captures the intensity of indigenous ritual through a bold, emotionally charged portrait. Dominated by a central black face with exaggerated fangs, fiery orange curls, and wide, hypnotic eyes, the painting pulses with mythic and psychological tension. The double tongue and textured skin evoke ancient deities and ceremonial masks, while the floral and speckled background suggests both festivity and chaos. This work stands out for its unapologetic force. The canvas is layered with cross-hatched texture and saturated pigments, creating depth and grit that pulls the viewer into its expressive force field. The eyes—rendered in high contrast—serve as a focal point of spiritual confrontation, making this piece impossible to ignore.