In Amplexu Teneo by Maroš Rovňák (Original Painting)

This painting from the series In Amplexu Teneo is a powerful example of figurative art that transcends simple representation to delve into a complex psychological and symbolic space. The acrylic on canvas work is distinguished by its expressive and dynamic brushwork, as well as its masterful use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro). The scene captures two men in an intimate embrace, yet their hunched and tense postures, along with the unsettling red marks on the skin, suggest an experience of pain or inner conflict rather than peace and love. The artist thus creates a visual paradox where the title, referencing an embrace, contrasts sharply with the dramatic and disturbing content of the painting itself.

The central theme of internal struggle is amplified by the presence of a vague, dark object or being in the background. This symbolic element, reminiscent of a monster or predator, does not act as a direct participant but rather as a metaphor for the deep-seated traumas, societal pressures, or repressed emotions that the figures are grappling with. The artist’s choice to depict this element only in shadow and indistinct contours underscores its elusive and psychological nature. The painting thereby becomes a study of intimacy as a space that is not always a sanctuary but can also be an arena where personal or shared conflicts unfold.

The work embodies Maroš Rovňák’s characteristic approach to queer themes and his exploration of what Freud called “das Unheimliche”—the uncanny. The painting evokes a sense that beneath the surface of a familiar, seemingly safe situation, something hidden and menacing is lurking. By revealing vulnerability and suffering within an act that should be a pure form of support, the artist forces the viewer to confront the uncomfortable aspects of identity, relationships, and existence. The painting is thus not merely a testament to an intimate moment, but a powerful statement about the hidden pressures and struggles that shape the human experience.