Fine Feather 

Sarah Joncas' monochrome drawing presents us with a face emerging from darkness, adorned with a feather earring. This symbol, light as a breath and imbued with the spirit of flight, has ancient roots. Feathers appear across cultures – Egyptian goddesses wore them as symbols of truth and justice. In Native American traditions, they embody a connection to the divine. Yet here, the feather's meaning takes a different turn, hanging suspended from the ear, a delicate ornament. The feather motif recurs, even in Botticelli's "Primavera," where Flora is adorned with floral and faunal motifs, symbolizing nature's rebirth and vitality. But how has it shifted? From symbols of power and divinity to decorative elements, evoking a sense of lightness. This subtle shift reflects a deeper psychological yearning for freedom. The image evokes a feeling of serene melancholy, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols, their resurfacing, evolution, and their ability to take on new meanings in different historical contexts.