It’s Not a Party Until Someone Falls in the Pool 2021

Carrie Graber invites us into a poolside scene of leisure and mishap in her artwork. It brings into focus the dynamics of social gatherings, particularly among women. The scene, bathed in the bright, almost blinding light, and framed by the archetypal palm trees, speaks to a very particular kind of aspirational lifestyle. The painting reveals a moment where composure is lost, as one woman tumbles into the pool, and the rest of the women watch. It’s the perfect moment of disruption. We get a glimpse into the complex performance of social interactions. Are these women friends, or just acquaintances performing for each other, against the backdrop of leisure and privilege? Graber’s playful yet pointed observation encourages us to reflect on the subtle tensions and unspoken rules that govern social spaces. What might seem like a carefree scene is loaded with social expectation, gendered performance, and the ever-present possibility of an unexpected fall.