From Iraq with Love

From Iraq with Love

 

I think the meaning in this painting is pretty clear for most observers. What is also immediately obvious is that the emotion, the "pathos" is defined in Falbo's unique way.  Once again, I have to bring up the master, Picasso, because while I realize many people will compare this style to some of Picasso's works, we need to be clear that there are important differences.  Falbo incorporates more into what many call a "cubism" style of painting. So much so that we understand why the term "cubestraction" is used to describe a style that is unique to Falbo.  Certainly, there are elements of cubism in this painting, but there are also elements of abstract expression, circular motion, and perhaps even a touch of "folk" style.

 

Looking at the imagery, Falbo exhibits both the longing, the love, and the despair, within the context presented. A woman who is awaiting not only the return of her love, but also the debut of his child.  We see, in the woman's face, the surrender of her mind and body to the thoughts of tenderness and passion as she ponders the words of her love. The diverse position of her eyes reveal to us her attention to the thoughts written to her which are detailed in the painting. The motion in the arms and hands express her vicarious affection and desire to touch her man, as well as the spiritual link the letter has fostered by symbolically reaching across oceans and cradling his unborn child within her.  At first glance this may seem straight forward, but as we look at this painting, we are also left to wonder if his hand is also "her" hand representing another vicarious touching.