The Lady in White 1939

Diego Rivera's, The Lady in White, is an oil painting that plays with texture, colour, and process. The paint seems thinly applied, almost like watercolor in some spots, allowing the canvas to breathe through. Look closely and you will see how the white is built from numerous translucent layers that lend depth and luminosity to the figure's dress. What strikes me most is the spiderweb in the upper left corner, mirroring the lace pattern of her veil. It’s as though Rivera is reminding us of the delicate balance between beauty and decay, life and death. The skull she clutches is painted with a similar delicate touch. Thinking of Rivera, I can't help but think of Frida Kahlo. The pair are a testament to art being an ongoing conversation, a playful exchange across time. This piece reminds me that it's more about the questions than the answers.