Foxy Lady 2017

Editor: "Foxy Lady," a 2017 mixed-media piece by Camilla d'Errico, is striking. I am really drawn to the odd pairing of the animal and human, a closeness almost, plus that riot of rainbow colors. What do you see in this work? Curator: Oh, this piece just purrs with secrets, doesn't it? I think d'Errico is weaving together innocence and instinct, a sort of primal fairy tale. Look at the eyes, mismatched on both figures – they're windows, but to different worlds. And the way the fox is draped – it's protective, yes, but almost…consuming. Like a vibrant emotional armor. Editor: Consuming, that’s interesting. It seemed gentle, but there’s definitely a possessive quality now that you mention it. Where does this type of portraiture come from, blending these pop surrealist ideas? Curator: Exactly! It's a delicious blend. D’Errico pulls from the wellspring of surrealism and fantasy art but infuses it with a modern, almost manga-esque sensibility. Think about how classic surrealists explored dreams and the subconscious. D’Errico uses similar dream logic. Instead of the old trope of, say, a melting clock, we see a girl becoming one with her spirit animal. The rainbow, a common symbol of dreams or aspirations. It also reminds us of all of the colors of oil mixing into the ocean! So is this rainbow harmful or part of a deeper beauty? What do you make of this now? Editor: It certainly adds a layer of complexity I didn’t originally notice. I guess I saw "pretty colors, cool portrait." Now it feels…charged, almost. Like there’s something significant just beneath the surface. Curator: Yes! Exactly! Sometimes art sneaks up on us like that, whispering its truths only when we're ready to listen.