Description
“THE DEAD DON’T LIE” by Hetaone is an introspective work that skillfully mixes mixed techniques and autobiographical elements. The work, initially of A4 format, is enlarged to 40 cm by 30 cm thanks to strips of paper tape, torn and placed randomly, creating an irregular border that gives a rough and imperfect texture.
In the center of the composition, a human skull is turned to the left. The deep shading and the volumes of the skull are accentuated by applications of walnut-brine, whose splashes and spots gush around, adding a chaotic and organic dimension to the image. This walnut milking technique reinforces the idea of decomposition and mortality.
In large capital letters around the skull, the inscription «THE DEAD DON’T LIE» imposes a reflection on the ultimate truth of death, in contrast with the lies and illusions of life. This phrase could be interpreted as a statement of the unalterable truth of death, which can neither be embellished nor concealed.
The work’s medium, a personal paper of the artist, adds an extra layer of meaning. Details such as the artist’s old address in Chalon-sur-Saône can be read, as well as annotations such as “visit maintenance appointment” and “toilet flush leak stop”. These administrative and trivial elements anchor the work in everyday life, recalling the banal concerns that persist despite the contemplation of mortality.
The enlargement of the work by adding torn paper tape reinforces the fragility and impermanence, contrasting with the solidity and permanence of death represented by the skull. This juxtaposition of materials and techniques creates a visual tension that invites the viewer to reflect on the coexistence of everyday life and the inescapable reality of death.
In short, “THE DEAD DON’T LIE” is a work that combines personal introspection with universal themes of truth and mortality, using a variety of techniques to create a rich and meaningful composition.
