The Grand Howl 2017

Zoe Hawk made 'The Grand Howl,' sometime in the 20th century, with what looks like oil paint, depicting a bonfire scene where girls in pink dresses are gathered. I imagine her, like a director on a set, placing the figures, adjusting the light. The paint is applied smoothly, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Look at how the pink of the dresses contrasts with the greens and blues of the landscape, creating a visual tension. I love the ambiguity of this image – is it a ritual, a game, or something else entirely? What are they thinking? What does it mean? This makes me think of other artists like Paula Rego, with a shared interest in folklore and the darker side of childhood. Artists are always in dialogue, building upon each other's ideas. It’s a conversation across time. And with painting, there’s always room for multiple readings.