Peeka 

Lucia Heffernan, born in 1966, painted "Peeka" with oils, presenting a contemporary take on portraiture. Heffernan's whimsical paintings often feature animals in human-like scenarios, blending humor with poignant observations on the human condition. In "Peeka," a fluffy dog sits against a bright pink backdrop, its dark eyes looking directly at the viewer. The composition challenges traditional representations of animals, often relegated to the background or depicted in subservient roles. The choice of a domestic animal invites reflection on how we assign value and identity, extending our emotional connections beyond the human realm. The painting may prompt a deeper consideration of empathy, identity and the narratives we construct around ourselves and others.