My work focuses mainly on the female figure, representing various facets in a typically enigmatic, mysterious and anonymous way, never showing the full figure. Without the surrounding environment, the viewer is led to imagine a story for each character.
–Duma Arantes
Duma is an artist whose work deeply connects with the feminine universe, weaving together elements of mystery and emotion. Throughout her career, Duma has portrayed women in various eras and contexts, without tying them to any specific identity. This allows each viewer to project their own emotions and stories onto the figures she paints.
Her artistic approach captures fragments of reality, where female figures are intentionally left incomplete, creating a space for the imagination. Duma’s use of a balanced color palette—often neutral with carefully placed accents—enhances the sense of serenity in her compositions. The minimalist appearance of her works belies their emotional complexity, drawing viewers into a quiet reflection on the unseen aspects of life.
Her use of black bars in many works evokes the cinematic aspect ratio, reinforcing the idea that we are only privy to a portion of the scene. These visual frames suggest that what we see is just a fragment of a larger story, leaving room for contemplation and mystery. Duma’s compositions, with their balance of muted tones and carefully chosen bursts of color, create atmospheres that draw parallels with the emotional weight of a well-shot film, where every detail contributes to the mood.
Her work has been highly valued by collectors for its emotional depth and the sense of calm it evokes. Each piece becomes a mirror, reflecting the viewer's inner world, while offering an opportunity for introspection and connection. Duma Arantes creates not just art but immersive experiences, where the viewer’s engagement transforms each piece into a deeply personal encounter with the mysteries of the human experience.
–Héctor Díaz
