Variations on Old Bushmills 

Zena Kavin created 'Variations on Old Bushmills' using graphite, likely in the mid-20th century when social commentary in art gained momentum. Kavin's surreal composition presents a topsy-turvy world, challenging conventional perspectives. It is filled with distorted figures and improbable scenarios, such as a person riding a unicycle and a figure hugging a fish. These images evoke the kind of disorienting experience of marginalization. The characters' exaggerated features and theatrical poses suggest a critique of societal roles and expectations, while the lack of a clear narrative invites us to find our own meaning in the chaos. Kavin may be inviting us to consider how we perform in relation to each other, and what parts of ourselves we highlight or hide. In this way Kavin suggests the instability of identity. The emotional resonance of the piece lies in its capacity to reflect the multifaceted nature of the human experience.