The Joy of Dawn 

Julie Bell’s painting, “The Joy of Dawn” presents a complex interplay of light and form. The eye is immediately drawn to the contrasting elements: the radiant dawn juxtaposed with darker tones, creating a dynamic visual tension. Bell's composition defies traditional interpretations of light and space, using contrasting colours and textures to symbolize underlying dualities. Through a careful arrangement of figures and light sources, Bell challenges us to question fixed narratives and consider the multifaceted nature of existence. Notice how the textures and brushstrokes contribute to a semiotic reading of the painting. Are we to interpret the woman as a signifier for light, the winged horse as a representation of freedom, or the dragon as a potent symbol of untamed power? The artist invites us to create our own meaning from the interplay of these symbols, and challenges us to acknowledge the ambiguity of interpretation.