Little Lamb, I’ll Tell Thee 2013

Editor: We're looking at "Little Lamb, I’ll Tell Thee," a 2013 acrylic painting by Zoe Hawk. The uniformity of the figures strikes me, all these girls in matching dresses amidst this unsettling scene. What formal qualities do you see that contribute to the overall mood? Curator: Consider first the interplay between the flattened perspective and the rendering of form. Notice the tension established by the use of bold colors and precise details. How might these contribute to the overall composition? Editor: The red rug and the yellow wall really pop and almost feel stage-like, setting off the blue of the dresses. What about the figure emerging from behind the curtain? The costume and the face are so distinct. Curator: Indeed. Reflect on how that figure functions within the structured organization of shapes and colors. Semiotically, the costume signals to a bygone era. This juxtaposition of elements disrupts the balance. Is the figure’s placement further compressing space? What meanings does this compression convey to the viewer? Editor: The black figure against the white curtain does add a striking vertical element which feels different to the repetition and movement of the girls' figures. Almost an intrusion or imposing. I wonder if the curtain has some purpose for what they are up to? Curator: Good observation! If you break it down you will notice that the organization of space and the strategic use of color generate complexity beyond the depicted scene. It prompts the viewer to ask additional questions. How do you feel that affects our viewing? Editor: Thinking about it now I wonder how much it leaves open to personal interpretation of all of these features to develop our own readings. It seems like the meaning resides in the individual interaction with it. Thank you, that gave me a new way of appreciating form!