Royal Cheetah 

Editor: So this drawing, “Royal Cheetah” by Michael Parkes, really struck me with its serene, almost otherworldly vibe. There's this figure, draped in what looks like classical garb, juxtaposed with cheetahs. I am curious...what story do you think this artwork is trying to tell? Curator: Oh, I love the question. This piece, for me, is about duality, maybe even illusion. The woman seems to hold power, right? That controlled elegance of classical figures… but then you've got the cheetahs. One a mask, a held image, the other alive but collared. Are we seeing tamed power, a reflection of inner wildness she projects, or something else entirely? The single swan-like wing intrigues, too. It hints at aspirations, flights of fancy—or a clipped longing? Editor: The idea of controlled wildness resonates. What’s interesting is how muted the colors are; even the spots on the cheetahs don’t pop. How does the subdued palette play into this? Curator: Exactly! Restraint is key. See how the realism, especially in her features, grounds it, yet the overall scene is so symbolic? This tension... that's where the real conversation happens. Is it truly about elegance and power, or about the subtle melancholy of containing something essential within ourselves? Editor: It makes me think about how we curate the image we present to the world. It is like choosing which mask to wear or which animal to let roam freely. Curator: You’ve hit the nail on the head, I think! Art like this whispers to our subconscious. It’s less about overt declarations and more about the subtle push and pull of these internal landscapes. Editor: It’s definitely given me a new perspective on how symbolism can add such complexity to a realistic drawing. Curator: And hopefully encourages us to look at what beasts *we* keep on leashes – or hide behind a mask.