José Luis Serzo — The construction of a wind god — Oil on canvas

A fantastic scene above a turbulent sea, beneath a sky filled with yellowish light.

Composition and technique

The sea occupies the lower half of the canvas, with foamy wave crests advancing in different directions. Above the horizon, a reddish form resembling a pipe appears, accompanied by a blue-violet plume. Its suspended presence introduces a fantastic element into an otherwise recognisable seascape.

The painting combines modelled clouds with fine, light strokes tracing the waves. The horizontal format extends the movement of the water and contrasts it with the small floating form, isolated in the sky.

Colour and light

The sky brings together yellows, ochres and greys, with luminous areas between masses of dark clouds. Deep greens and greys describe the water, crossed by pale foam. The reds of the suspended object and its blue-violet plume stand out against this restrained palette.

The title and series

A painted inscription along the lower edge identifies the series “Absurdas Aproximaciones” and gives the extended title of the work, with its reference to Uncle Linuos of Familasia. The combination of landscape and impossible object allows the image to be read as a scene from a fantastic story.

Technical details

• Artist: José Luis Serzo (b. 1977).
• Title: La construcción de un dios de los vientos, emitidas y provocadas por el tío Linuos de Familasia.
• Date: c. 2000.
• Series: Absurdas Aproximaciones.
• Technique: Oil on canvas.
• Dimensions: 46 × 27 cm (canvas); 50 × 30 cm (framed).
• Signature: “Serzo”, in the lower right corner.
• Provenance: Acquired on the secondary art market in Barcelona. Previously in a private collection.
• Condition: Excellent.
• Framing: Supplied framed.

The Taller Note

The small reddish form draws attention through its isolation between sky and sea. Around it, the wave crests and clouds create a broad movement that contrasts with its suspension. The inscription runs along the lower edge like a narrative line, while the signature “Serzo” sits at the far right. The gilded frame defines the scene without interrupting the continuity of the landscape.