Year: 2019

Description: “Tears Behind the Smile” is a deeply evocative artwork that explores the contrast between outward expressions and inner emotions. Dominating the composition is a striking pair of lips, slightly parted, rendered in rich, warm tones of red and pink. Upon closer inspection, faint teardrop-like shapes emerge from the darkness, subtly embedded into the background. These hidden elements suggest suppressed sorrow or emotions concealed beneath a composed exterior. The interplay of deep blacks, dark reds, and the vibrant lips highlights the tension between what is seen and what is felt, reinforcing themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the complexities of human expression. The raw, expressive brushwork and moody palette add to the emotional weight of the piece, making “Tears Behind the Smile” a reflection on the masks we wear and the emotions we choose to reveal.