Flamboyance 2017

Curator: Terri Kelly Moyers created "Flamboyance" in 2017. What strikes you most when you first see it? Editor: There's an undeniable strength and self-possession radiating from the subject, but also a quiet dignity. I’m curious about the context of her pose, her gaze, and particularly her clothing. Curator: It’s a striking study in textures and cultural symbols. Look closely at the interplay between the crocheted shawl, the embroidered blouse, the black lace overskirt… There's an emphasis on skilled handwork. Consider the time and labor embedded in these textiles! Editor: Yes, the textiles tell a story. The shawl could represent inherited tradition or perhaps even acts of resistance to cultural assimilation. The embellishments, what does her self-presentation signal in the context of contemporary portraiture, which has often marginalized or exoticized Indigenous subjects? Curator: I think Moyers is keenly aware of this history, offering a counter-narrative through the material choices. The layering of garments speaks to the complexities of identity, defying simple categorization. Her stance also communicates pride in her choices. Editor: I agree, this feels like a deliberate act of self-definition. Think of how often Indigenous people have been forced to shed their cultural garments and identities. This portrait claims agency, reclaiming and celebrating heritage on her own terms. Is "Flamboyance" perhaps less about vanity, and more about a defiant celebration? Curator: Interesting. This painting offers an important contribution to conversations around portraiture as a vehicle for reclaiming Indigenous representation and narrative control. What stays with me is how Moyers, through deliberate, skilled painting, honors this complexity and quiet strength. Editor: Absolutely, a potent reminder of art’s capacity to push for more respectful, multifaceted visual depictions of identity. I'm now left thinking about what "flamboyance" truly signifies. Is it merely ornamentation, or can it serve as armor?