The polymorphism, for which Lam is well known, juxtaposes aspects of humans, animals and plants, creating monstrous, hybrid creatures, it depicts distorted human figures with faces that resemble African masks which are symptomatic of how loaded cultural borrowings could be and with long limbs shown from several different viewpoints. The figures blend in with the plants of a lush tropical forest. The dense composition creates a claustrophobic feeling while the forms remain difficult to differentiate. The figures’ elongated limbs lack definition, while much emphasis is placed on their large feet, round buttocks, and African-inspired masked heads. Additionally, the iridescent quality of the forms enhances the painting's tropical feeling as if also reflecting the painter's inclusion of his African heritage and culture. The Jungle was not, however, intended to describe the primitivism of Cuba. Rather, Lam's intention was to depict a spiritual state that which is surely inspired by Santeria; he sheds light on the absurdity that has become Afro-Cuban culture and more specifically on the way their traditions were cheapened for tourism. He sought out to describe the reality of his people through the powerful work and gained acclaim and fame for doing
The polymorphism, for which Lam is well known, juxtaposes aspects of humans, animals and plants, creating monstrous, hybrid creatures, it depicts distorted human figures with faces that resemble African masks which are symptomatic of how loaded cultural borrowings could be and with long limbs shown from several different viewpoints. The figures blend in with the plants of a lush tropical forest. The dense composition creates a claustrophobic feeling while the forms remain difficult to differentiate. The figures’ elongated limbs lack definition, while much emphasis is placed on their large feet, round buttocks, and African-inspired masked heads. Additionally, the iridescent quality of the forms enhances the painting's tropical feeling as if also reflecting the painter's inclusion of his African heritage and culture. The Jungle was not, however, intended to describe the primitivism of Cuba. Rather, Lam's intention was to depict a spiritual state that which is surely inspired by Santeria; he sheds light on the absurdity that has become Afro-Cuban culture and more specifically on the way their traditions were cheapened for tourism. He sought out to describe the reality of his people through the powerful work and gained acclaim and fame for doing