Neo-Expressionist Pastel Portrait of an African Mask

This is an original mixed-media work on paper, primarily executed in oil pastel or heavy chalk pastel, featuring an abstracted portrait of a stylized African mask. Physically, the piece utilizes a vibrant but earthy palette of charcoal black, burnt sienna, mustard yellow, and deep red. The construction is characterized by bold, gestural strokes and heavy impasto-like texture typical of the Neo-Expressionist style. The focal point is a central face with almond-shaped yellow eyes and thick, dark outlines, surrounded by chaotic, rhythmic lines suggesting hair or a headdress. A visible monogram 'MH' is located in the bottom right corner, serving as a potential artist signature. The work is currently protected by a clear plastic sleeve, which obscures some fine details with glare, but the paper appears flat with no major visible tears. The style suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century contemporary artist influenced by Primitivism. The quality of the draftsmanship is high, showing deliberate use of layering to create depth and a primitive, raw aesthetic that emphasizes emotional energy over literal representation.