Stories of mine 

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to Fernanda Suarez's digital portrait titled "Stories of Mine." What strikes you most upon seeing it? Editor: Initially, it’s the color palette. The striking contrast between the ultramarine eyeshadow and the earthy tones of her skin creates a sense of vibrant drama against the muted greens. Curator: Indeed, and let’s consider the gaze she directs at us. It's both direct and knowing, demanding that we acknowledge her presence and, perhaps, the untold stories hinted at in the title. How might this work engage with contemporary ideas around female representation? Editor: The composition is compelling—the lush, verdant foliage that both adorns and nearly obscures her seems carefully placed to guide the eye. The brushwork is especially evident. Curator: Considering its possible intention, this piece brings forth notions of identity, particularly through a feminist lens. She appears self-possessed, almost defiant, refusing to be passively consumed by the viewer. Her striking make-up and bare shoulders signal something, or possibly fight against typical portraits of women. Editor: Semiotically, the foliage operates on multiple levels. Are they framing or obscuring? The repetition of curved lines, in the leaves, her hair, brow and lips, speaks to the harmony within the work itself. Curator: And that sense of harmony is deceptive. This woman's identity—as hinted by the title—is not simple, perhaps marked by conflicts, power struggles and challenges to traditional patriarchal narratives. Editor: True, while those vibrant pops of blue speak volumes of personal expression, the way she echoes natural forms presents another dichotomy. Perhaps not meant to resolve neatly at all. Curator: Ultimately, “Stories of Mine” provokes dialogue around visibility, the construction of self, and the power of the female gaze in contemporary art. Editor: A wonderful synthesis of vibrant composition with potentially resonant themes, offering a dynamic encounter with color and line that makes one think about portraits altogether.