Miss Duplexity 2018

Editor: So, here we have Camilla d'Errico's "Miss Duplexity," painted in 2018 using acrylics. The figure's heterochromatic eyes and flowing blue hair adorned with butterflies immediately grabbed my attention. It's ethereal, but there's something unsettling about the watery textures and fragmented skin. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This piece speaks volumes about the complexities of identity, particularly in the digital age. D’Errico uses the surreal, almost hyper-real figure to explore themes of fragmentation and duality. What do you think about the butterflies; how do they affect the reading? Editor: I see them as symbols of transformation, but almost…trapped? They add to the dreamlike quality but feel pinned, or perhaps caught in the blue "hair" like it's a net? Curator: Exactly. Consider this in the context of contemporary feminist theory, particularly discussions around the male gaze and the objectification of women. The doll-like features and exaggerated proportions could be read as a critique of idealized beauty standards imposed on women. How does the figure’s vitiligo complicate this reading? Editor: That adds a layer of commentary on beauty and imperfection. It’s as if the artist is challenging our perceptions of wholeness and presenting a more nuanced view of beauty that embraces perceived flaws. Curator: Precisely. And within the wider culture, there's been growing visibility for differences – racial, gendered, ability, neurodiversity - which d’Errico acknowledges. "Miss Duplexity," embodies the fractured self and how our identities are negotiated, contested, and often, beautifully pieced back together. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty picture; it's a reflection on the complexities of selfhood and societal expectations. Curator: Absolutely. It's an invitation to reconsider how we construct and perceive identity. Editor: I see the work very differently now. I appreciate the way you tied the image to social commentary, making it both relevant and thought-provoking.