Selfie Downunder 

Lucia Heffernan painted "Selfie Downunder" as a contemporary oil on canvas. The artist asks us to consider the role of technology in our lives by depicting a group of sea lions taking a selfie. In a lighthearted way, Heffernan’s art is tapping into concerns about the ubiquity of social media and the performative aspects of modern life. The painting's humor might prompt us to consider how our own behavior mirrors that of these anthropomorphic creatures. It serves as a commentary on human behavior within a technologically saturated culture. As historians, we might consider "Selfie Downunder" in relation to other forms of social satire. Research into popular culture, media studies, and the history of technology could all provide useful context for understanding this work. The meaning of art lies in its ability to reflect and critique the society that produces it.