Original painting 1m x 1.5m x 4cm
Every day on my way to the gallery I pass these builders, high up in the steel framework. Men balanced on narrow beams, climbing and dangling about, hammering away as if they’re sitting in their own gardens. Not a wobble in sight!
I became fascinated by their traditional Mexican tool belts, with their lovely leather pockets, long dangling straps and little decorations. They have such character!
I just had to paint them. I’ve given them an orange halo, a little bit of superhero magic. These men look like Mexican Supermen to me. Hard hats instead of capes!.
Sirpas technique is based on rich layers of color on textured canvas. The carefully selected under color for each tonality of light gives the paintings an air of depth.