Black Murex Trance ~ Original Surreal Shell Portrait

Black Murex Trance ~ Original Surreal Shell Portrait
Original surreal shell portrait on paper by Carmen Delprat, 54cm x 73cm, 2022. Framed.
 
Black Murex Trance is an original shell portrait, a warm achromatic surreal study exploring psychological presence, natural architecture and atmospheric stillness.
 
The composition presents a figure emerging from soft tonal fields of grey, creating visual neutrality and spatial depth. A black murex shell is positioned as a crown-like structural form, introducing architectural contrast through its sharp spiral tips and sculptural silhouette.
 
Fine, flowing line work moves across the composition in soft rhythmic gestures, creating visual movement while maintaining compositional restraint. These organic line forms introduce dynamic contrast against the controlled tonal background.
 
A subtle concentric circular form appears above the portrait, reinforcing spatial rhythm and compositional balance within the upper visual field.
 
Executed through refined pencil and tonal development, the work emphasises surface depth, shadow gradation and delicate line control. The monochromatic palette strengthens the work's contemplative and atmospheric quality.
 
About the Black Murex
The Black Murex is a dark, heavily spined member of the murex family. Its sharp spiral tips give it a crown-like silhouette, and its depth of tone suits the trance-like calm of this portrait: protection, mystery and inner strength.
 
Black Murex Trance is conceived as an atmospheric portrait study, designed for collectors and interiors seeking refined visual presence and quiet psychological depth.
 
Details
- Medium: Original coloured pencil illustration on University Mixed Media Paper (300gsm), Albrecht Dürer coloured pencils
- Size: 54 cm x 73 cm
- Year: 2022
- Framing: 3cm white frame with 7cm white mount board
- Shell featured: Black Murex
- Signed by the artist 
- Signed Certificate of Authenticity included
- Ships from Newcastle, NSW, Australia-wide and internationally
 
Colour Palette
Black
Light cadmium yellow
Magenta
Deep red
Deep Vermilion
 
 
Perfect For
Contemporary homes
Coastal interiors
Luxury apartments
Boutique accommodation
Collectors of Australian art
 
Certificate of Authenticity
Every original artwork and limited edition print by Carmen Delprat is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
The certificate confirms the title of the artwork, year of creation, edition number (where applicable), medium and dimensions, and serves as a permanent record of authenticity.