Head of a Girl (from the series "Cuban Memories")

Tadeusz Kulisiewicz traveled to Cuba in 1977 at the invitation of the Cuban Minister of Culture. The presented portrait was created based on a sketch brought back from this trip. [During his journey to Cuba, Kulisiewicz] did not limit himself to official or social meetings; he stopped along the way, peeking into huts and roadside cafés, making contact with the people he encountered, just as he always did during his numerous travels – as a friend of the artist recalled. The girl depicted was most likely a Cuban woman, a resident of Havana, whom he met by chance. The head of the depicted figure, shown in a frontal view, is supported by an unnaturally long neck. With minimal lines, the artist outlined almond-shaped eyes, eyebrows, full lips forming a gentle smile, a long, narrow nose, large ears, and a bun on top of her head. The simple, synthetic form is enlivened by short, wavy lines around the head, imitating fluffy, unruly hair. These lines serve as a decorative ornament, framing the sparingly drawn face, contrasting with the calm, fluid line of the portrait.