Jessie 

Fernanda Suarez created this artwork titled ‘Jessie’ in the 20th century. It references Jessie, a character from the Toy Story franchise. In the painting, the artist represents the character in a modern and mature style. But what does it mean to reimagine an established character and how does that relate to the wider social and cultural context? The figure’s denim cutoffs and bare midriff signify a shift from the cartoon origins to a contemporary Western aesthetic that privileges individualism and an evolving understanding of femininity. The horse tattoo is particularly interesting here. Suarez is using the image of a horse as a symbol of power, freedom, and connection to nature. The tattoo is a statement about the character's identity and how it relates to wider cultural trends. As art historians, we can study the influence of popular culture on artistic expression. By researching the history of animated characters, the evolution of fashion trends, and the social history of tattoos, we can gain insight into the cultural significance of this portrait.