Selina 

Editor: This is "Selina," a painting by Sarah Joncas. I think it's an acrylic, but I'm not positive. There is an airy, dreamlike quality, almost like a memory, and her gaze is so piercing. What do you see in this portrait? Curator: Well, at first glance, it evokes a sense of pre-Raphaelite romance, but with a very contemporary edge. I’m interested in how Joncas positions her subject within a visual language that subtly questions traditional beauty standards. Notice how the soft pink background, coupled with the flowing hair and delicate floral patterns, creates a seemingly conventional image of femininity. Editor: Yes, but there’s also something about her direct stare, almost confrontational. Curator: Precisely! That’s where the conversation begins. Is Joncas using conventional tropes only to subvert them? The model’s unflinching gaze challenges the viewer. The almost saccharine sweetness could be a deliberate commentary on the objectification of women in art and media, reclaiming agency through her direct engagement. Editor: So, are you suggesting it's not just a pretty picture, but a statement? Curator: I’m proposing we consider that possibility. How does this image engage with the history of portraiture and the evolving role of women within that narrative? What expectations are being set up only to be questioned or dismantled? It invites us to delve into the layers of representation and consider the complexities of identity. Editor: I never would have considered the history behind that choice! Curator: Considering Joncas' body of work, "Selina" offers a critical lens through which to examine representation and gender in contemporary art. Editor: I will now always be thinking about it. Thanks!