Girl with a Ribbon in Her Hair and Shaved Head by Raquel Reis

Medium: Oil on Arches paper

Dimensions: 29 x 42 cm

Year: 2025

Price: $682.00 USD

Status: available

This expressive portrait depicts a young woman in profile, born primarily from imagination yet subtly informed by memory. While painting, the artist recalled a woman seen in the Madrid subway wearing a ribbon in her hair, an image that merged with a personal tribute: the shaved area near the ear echoes the hairstyle of the artist’s niece, transforming the figure into an intimate homage. Strong, gestural brushstrokes and bold color contrasts define the composition. The dark brown background is energized by yellow undertones, intensifying the vibrant green of the blouse and the blue-green hues of the hair. The pink ribbon stands out as a delicate yet assertive accent, while grayish whites in the face add depth and emotional nuance. The result is an expressionist work that balances strength and vulnerability, memory and invention.