The Narcissist 

Editor: So this mixed-media piece is called "The Narcissist" by Dave Macdowell. It feels almost satirical, like a commentary on our obsession with capturing every moment, even the grotesque. What kind of narrative do you see at play here? Curator: That’s a perceptive observation. It definitely uses the visual language of pop surrealism to engage with contemporary anxieties. The painting brings together iconic figures, corrupted and made monstrous, staging a contemporary critique. Consider the historical role of portraiture – typically commissioned by the elite to project power and virtue. Macdowell subverts that tradition. Editor: In what ways? I mean, it’s quite a jump from stately portraits to... this. Curator: Exactly! By presenting figures that are both recognizable and revolting, Macdowell challenges our expectations. The celebrity figures here were known from film or popular television culture. The use of popular and known references can have an immediate effect, with accessible entry point to allow viewer to pause and think about it. Consider the presence of a Ouija board design on a smartphone – doesn’t this juxtapose old and new forms of seeking attention or meaning? Is this mocking our modern, constant connectivity, highlighting a certain spiritual emptiness, where we are all zombies trying to reach others? Editor: I see what you mean! It’s like the pursuit of validation, symbolized by the selfie, continues even beyond the point of… decay. Curator: Precisely! It uses the language of horror and humour. The piece pushes us to think about how images shape our understanding of ourselves and our society. How power shapes what we internalize. It reminds us that visual culture is never neutral; it is a battleground of ideas and ideologies. What do you make of that ending "goodbye"? Editor: A bit ominous, honestly. I’ve never thought of the selfie as political before. It shows how pop culture can act like a warning sign. Curator: Yes, and thinking about such modern cultural trend allows to question the underlying cultural meaning and purpose.