Backstage Jitters 

Julie Bell's "Backstage Jitters" presents two horses in such close proximity that they almost merge into one. The warm, earthy tones of their coats are rendered with a hyperrealism that almost begs you to reach out and touch them. The composition is a masterclass in layering and juxtaposition. The intricate details of the horses' bridles and manes draw the eye, yet the overall impact is one of subtle emotion. The semiotic interplay here is fascinating. Horses often symbolize freedom and power, but Bell subverts this expectation with the title and the animals' tender positioning. By focusing on the intimate moment, Bell creates a space for us to rethink these symbols, drawing attention to vulnerability, and disrupting the established norms of animal portraiture. "Backstage Jitters" is a thoughtful engagement with art's capacity to challenge expectations.