Tiptoe 2020

Scott Fraser’s painting presents a tableau of meticulously rendered objects against a stark, black backdrop, immediately drawing us into its play of light and shadow. The vertical thrust of the candle and its flame are counterbalanced by the hand and the playful red monkey, creating a dynamic yet balanced composition. Fraser constructs meaning through juxtaposition. The flickering candle flame, a signifier of ephemerality, contrasts with the enduring bronze of the hand and the cold metal of the candle holder. This tension between permanence and transience is further complicated by the toy monkey, precariously perched as it attempts to light the candle. The monkey, a symbol of curiosity and instinct, introduces an element of the absurd. The scattered matches at the base suggest a scene of repeated attempts and failures, adding another layer to the painting's narrative. This carefully arranged still life invites us to consider the interplay between object, symbol, and the human condition.