Retail Therapy 

Lucia Heffernan's painting, "Retail Therapy" presents us with a cat in a leopard print coat, an evocative ensemble. Consider the leopard print itself. In ancient times, it symbolized power, virility and was often worn by warriors and elites. This motif reappears throughout history, adorning gods and royalty. Yet, here, it's draped on a cat amidst shopping bags. This juxtaposition invites contemplation, suggesting a continuity of symbols applied to the contemporary obsession of consumerism. The animal print, once a signifier of untamed power, now speaks to a more domesticated kind of desire. The ‘Sassy’ emblazoned on the shopping bag, paired with the cat’s sunglasses, reflects our culture’s desire for self-expression and status. This image resonates with the collective memory of status symbols, evoking a knowing smile, a sense of recognition of the shifting meanings we project onto such objects. The cyclical nature of symbols continues, transforming, and resurfacing in ever-changing contexts.