Lady with an Axolotl 2020

James Jean gave us Lady with an Axolotl at some point this century, I don’t know when. It’s probably paint and digital stuff, but who knows? The whole thing is pink – a fleshy, intimate pink. It's all about thin washes and lines, building up to a shimmering surface that feels both ancient and futuristic. Look closely at the axolotl itself; it’s like a little god, cradled in the woman’s hands. The details are so precise and delicate, especially those feathery gills. It reminds me a bit of Aubrey Beardsley, but with a modern twist. There’s a real push and pull between control and chaos here, and that's what makes it so captivating. It’s not just about what we see, but how it makes us feel – lost, dreamy, and maybe a little bit strange.