Weight of Ribbons 

Curator: This is "Weight of Ribbons," a drawing, likely in ink, by Cassidy Rae Marietta. Immediately, I notice a distinct sense of dream logic. It feels almost unsettling, like peering into a subconscious state. Editor: You nailed it. The overwhelming network of lines gives me the shivers—in a good way, of course! There's this very peculiar, sort of organic-yet-structured quality to the flowing lines that captivates. And then…that skull. Wow. Curator: Let’s think about the production for a moment. It looks to be from the 21st century and a portrait where the artist appears to be invested in contemporary drawing practices. It also plays with erotic and gothic styles, but also the artist takes interest in fractal art making me think that there could have been help of softwares and contemporary technology while crafting this work. The density and layering of the ink suggest a huge amount of labor involved, and definitely point towards the consumption habits around digital art. Editor: Totally! The contrast with the fleshy nude subject almost creates a clash, highlighting our strange human relationship with mortality. And I can’t get over the visual rhythm. There’s an undeniable symbolic theme playing out. Maybe about identity…about carrying baggage. The curves are like waves, full of undertows. Curator: It strikes me how the composition actively refutes established visual languages around "high art." The labor of mark-making here is visible, prioritizing process and craft over traditional standards of idealized form, where even its symbolic undertones feel a part of broader counter-cultural practices. The consumption here might feel a need to connect through the materials. Editor: The title becomes ever so relevant when one actually sees how burdened this figure looks. There are so many open-ended ideas that float to the surface. It makes for such an engrossing artwork. Curator: Agreed. There is certainly a richness to explore regarding technique. Thanks for joining in! Editor: My pleasure entirely, and my shivers say it all: this work really stays with you.