Jos Perozo, LarA 009 Hand-Tinted Reddish-Brown Bust with Black Veins, 2024, Cement for sale at Pamono

“LarA 009” is a singular sculptural bust from the LarA series by Spanish artist Jos Perozo, created in 2024. This reddish-brown cement bust, enriched with dark veining, presents a striking fusion of human form and architectural landscape. The serene, almost hieratic expression of the face contrasts with the intricate network of cubic structures emerging from the surface, resembling an ancient cityscape gradually overtaking the figure. This interplay between the organic and the constructed evokes both classical monumental sculpture and the dreamlike cityscapes of utopian or dystopian worlds, reminiscent of animated works like those of Studio Ghibli or the mysticism of de Chiricos metaphysical painting. The textured surface, accentuated by the deep earthen tones and charcoal-like veins, lends the piece an air of weathered permanence, as if it were a relic unearthed from an undiscovered civilization. The semi-matte varnish refines the materials natural variations, allowing light to subtly interact with its surface, revealing both smooth and rugged areas that enhance its sculptural depth. Perozos use of high-durability cement highlights the raw physicality of the medium, retaining subtle imperfections such as minuscule air pockets and natural tonal shifts, reinforcing the handcrafted quality of the piece. The composition is further stabilized with fine aggregates for intricate detailing, acrylic fibers to prevent cracking, and a water-reducing agent for enhanced structural consistency. Each sculpture in the LarA series is unique, with variations in tone, surface detail, and patina, ensuring that no two works are identical. This individuality speaks to the artists ongoing exploration of identity, space, and the human form as a site of habitation and transformation.