24 heads

Works on paper constitute an important part of Saura's oeuvre. He was a committed draftsman throughout his career, and used drawing to explore all the variations and mutations of his many themes. 24 Heads (24 cabezas) is related to the Crowds series, which would occupy the artist from the late 1950s until the last years of his life. In these works, interlocked bodiless faces occupy most or all of the canvas or paper surface, creating an expansive, allover composition. 24 Heads stands out as a looser collection of scribbled figures. Defined by stenographic bursts, with no illusion of depth, the earth-toned heads are articulated by lines of white light or shadow. This work also features a collage element, with the pieces of corrugated cardboard glued to the paper adding a tactile quality to some of the faces.