Sugar 

Dan Graziano’s painting, *Sugar*, offers a meditation on the stuff of daily life. Graziano, born in 1953, paints in a contemporary realist style which often features objects such as this Domino sugar bag. Sugar, a ubiquitous presence in modern life, carries a complex history rooted in colonialism, exploitation, and the transatlantic slave trade. Its sweetness belies the bitter legacy of its production. Here, the crumpled packaging and scattered measuring spoons suggest a narrative of domesticity and consumption. The rough brushstrokes and muted palette evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with this seemingly innocent commodity. Graziano’s choice of subject matter elevates the mundane to the level of art, prompting us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our everyday experiences.