Citron Bee 2020

Curator: Behold, Camilla d'Errico’s "Citron Bee," painted in 2020. D'Errico’s utilizes a mesmerizing blend of watercolor and impasto to bring this creature to life. Editor: Well, immediately, it feels whimsical, almost dreamlike. That singular, giant eye makes it both cute and a little… unnerving. Is it just me, or is there a subtle anxiety humming beneath the pretty colors? Curator: It's astute to pick up on that tonal dichotomy. The layering of colors— transitioning from regal purples and pinks to more vibrant reds and yellows— does create an intriguing tension against the smooth, almost ethereal backdrop. Notice how the impasto isn't uniformly applied; the textural variations accentuate form and shadow, lending a sense of tangible presence. Editor: Right, it’s the texture that grabs you, that almost fluffy feel of the brushstrokes makes it feel…I don't know, pettable? But then, the overall shape is kind of bulbous, unsettling, like some strange cartoon virus, beautiful and potentially dangerous all at once! Is that surrealist thing playing with my head, you think? Curator: Indeed! D'Errico is categorized under pop-surrealism, where this jarring juxtaposition of the appealing and disturbing is deliberately amplified. This prompts introspection, a negotiation between comfort and uncertainty. Editor: Well, it makes you look at a simple thing, like a bee, in a totally different way. Makes you wonder about hidden dangers lurking within the colorful facade. It’s definitely not just another pretty picture. I appreciate the little glittery accents scattered through its "fur"—very captivating detail. Curator: Precisely! D'Errico’s skill manifests in her ability to blend traditional watercolor with impasto texture into something more disruptive and provocative than initially meets the eye. A visual allegory, wouldn't you say? Editor: Oh, definitely, and it certainly provides a lot to chew on… even if you’re not sure if you *want* to! Definitely something to make your mind buzz a little.