The Stillness of the Day 

Editor: This intriguing oil painting is titled "The Stillness of the Day," by Conroy Maddox. I'm struck by the surreal composition, the faceless figures, the hovering fly. The architecture also seems a bit uncanny, not quite fitting. What's your take on it? Curator: Well, the institutional and cultural framework of Surrealism helps unpack this. Maddox was deeply embedded in Surrealist circles, a movement that thrived on disrupting conventional expectations of representation and challenged social norms. Editor: So the dreamlike imagery... Curator: Exactly! Consider the architectural space – it's reminiscent of de Chirico, right? That liminal, in-between space where inside and outside blur, contributing to an unsettling atmosphere. The title, "The Stillness of the Day", is somewhat ironic because everything appears deeply unresolved. But do you notice how the interior mirrors some kind of exterior, creating this strange "mise en abyme"? Editor: I do see it. The figures also look so isolated within this bizarre, open space. The fly is bizarre too, but perhaps not accidental? Curator: Maddox certainly wasn't aiming for "accidental" in the traditional sense. Insects often symbolized decay, subconscious fears, and also perhaps the artist’s gaze intruding into intimate spaces. Also, think about how the "white cube" of gallery spaces began to influence art during this time period... Are we looking at an exhibition hall? A warehouse? A prison? Editor: I hadn't considered that! The fly disrupts that sterile environment too, and seems to confront us, the viewers. I initially saw a disquieting dreamscape, but now recognize a broader commentary. Thank you! Curator: Precisely. Considering art's institutional context gives depth to the viewing experience, and the politics embedded within its representation. It certainly leaves one with food for thought!