Manto 1 Painting

The **"Mantos"** series by artist **Lavalle** explores the relationship between the human body and the fabrics that envelop it, creating a metaphor for the psychological, social, and emotional layers that people carry. Lavalle uses a combination of painting, sculpture, and installation to create works that seem to flow or weigh upon the body symbolically. These "mantles" are not just physical fabrics but visual representations of issues such as identity, protection, vulnerability, and transformation. In these works, the mantles can be heavy or light, oppressive or liberating, and their textures and colors are chosen to evoke contrasting sensations. Sometimes, voluminous, almost suffocating fabrics are used, which seem to confine the body, symbolizing the burdens of modern life, social pressure, or the weight of personal experiences. Other times, the mantles are soft and delicate, suggesting protection, care, or a safe haven. Spectators interacting with these works are invited to reflect on their own emotional and social "garments." The pieces provoke feelings of introspection, with many initially feeling overwhelmed by the visual and emotional density, yet at the same time captivated by the richness of layers and meanings. Lavalle's works encourage a deep dive into the unconscious, stirring emotions of empathy, discomfort, self-awareness, and ultimately, a search for liberation. The tension between weight and lightness is central, prompting viewers to consider the invisible burdens everyone carries while also finding beauty and resilience in the human journey.