Donato Grima describes his paintings as “the result of a visceral attitude”. Stormy and sensual, Grima’s work treats the human body itself as a force of nature. He paints the body, particularly the female nude, writhing in action. They double over; they slink; they lean into the wind. Their bodies are outlined with inky black curves and soft highlights on delicate flesh. They act out relationships in voyeuristic compositions and otherwise engage the viewer, offering themselves up for empathy. However, despite their expressive body language the figures often turn their faces away, suggesting both anonymity and universality.

 

Grima has been compared to Goya for his skill in depicting contemporary social issues, particularly political ones. But his work is, in the end, a singular mix of the ghostly spirit of draftsmanship, the austerity of monochrome, and the impact of large scale imagery.

 

Grima was born in Argentina and has also lived in Venezuela and Spain. He has exhibited widely in such countries as Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, the United States, Germany, and Argentina.