High Society 

Lucia Heffernan's painting presents an owl, adorned with human accessories, floating serenely in a pool. The owl, traditionally a symbol of wisdom and watchfulness, is here recast in a scene of leisure, holding a book titled "Real Birds of Beverly Hills." This juxtaposition invites us to consider the evolving nature of symbols. Owls have been revered across cultures, linked to Athena in ancient Greece, representing knowledge and strategic insight. Yet, here, the owl is humorously placed in a contemporary setting, seemingly indulging in the trappings of high society. Consider how such symbols adapt across time. The collective memory associates owls with both wisdom and foreboding. By subverting these expectations, Heffernan creates a visual tension, humorously prompting us to reflect on our own cultural values and the roles we assign to ancient symbols in our modern lives. The painting engages our subconscious, prompting questions about authenticity, perception, and the ever-changing tapestry of meaning.