Paul Ygartua
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PAUL YGARTUA · 15 ARTWORKS

Native Mask Paintings

Paul Ygartua’s mask paintings explore the face as both an image and a source of expression. This collection brings together realistic studies and more abstract interpretations, showing how a familiar subject can change through colour, shape and style.

Masks offer a different starting point from a portrait: their forms can be observed closely or reimagined through painting. Browse the collection to compare Ygartua’s approaches to this recurring subject.

His strength, his pride in being Basque, was the most predominant factor in my life. My father had a profound influence on me.

— Paul Ygartua

Family and heritage

Ygartua’s Basque heritage is an important part of his personal story. His father endured the Spanish Civil War and the separation from his homeland, remaining determined to preserve his culture and his connection to the Basque Country and his family. Paul remembers that pride and strength as a profound influence on his own life.

Colourful mask with red lips against interlocking geometric shapesImage description: Colourful mask with red lips against interlocking geometric shapesMask face emerging from blue and white textured paintFolieArtist standing beside a tall painting of a mask figureImage description: Artist standing beside a tall painting of a mask figureGreen and grey mask with red lips on a red backgroundImage description: Green and grey mask with red lips on a red backgroundBlue mask face surrounded by ochre and textured brushworkImage description: Blue mask face surrounded by ochre and textured brushworkPeople standing before a black and white mural of mask facesBeachomberBirdlike mask with a long curved beak on a grey backgroundNative MasksMask face with a red mouth against dark expressive brushworkNative MasksBlue and white abstract mask faceNative MasksMask forms drawn over an orange and red painted backgroundNative MasksWhite mask forms and red strokes on a dark backgroundNative MasksThree-part abstract mask composition in cream, grey and redNative Masks - Large 3 pieceMask face layered with small marks in yellow and greenIndigenous MaskBlue mask face framed by a red circular borderMirro Image - Native Mask ArtBlack and white mask face with curved linesEternity - Native Art - Mask