Strictly Business 

Editor: We are looking at Danny Galieote’s painting, "Strictly Business," a work rendered in oil paint. There's an undeniable tension radiating from the figure; the gun makes it difficult to look past the inherent danger. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Notice the composition. The cropped view forces our gaze onto the hands, the gun, and the stylish shoes. This immediately establishes a clear power dynamic. Editor: Power dynamic? Curator: Yes, think about the use of line. The crisp, almost photorealistic depiction of the gun contrasts with the softer rendering of the suit fabric, a masterful way of using contrast. Note also how the gleaming silver of the gun, a sharp vertical, bisects the composition, creating visual division. The geometry imposes itself upon the rest of the objects, suggesting hierarchy. What does the gaze settle on? Editor: The gun, for sure. Curator: Precisely. Even the smoke is perfectly placed. Note that without any facial features visible to the viewer, an emotionless facade allows the gun to deliver the narrative. The gun thus occupies the subject position in the structure. Does that alter your view? Editor: Absolutely. Focusing on these elements really emphasizes that stark and simple, but effective story of violence implied by the artwork, thanks! Curator: You’re welcome! It's about deciphering the artist’s intentional arrangements to see how they are trying to give a sense of something.