Edge Of Night 

Troy Brooks's painting, Edge Of Night, presents a theatrical, heightened reality, rich in symbolism and cultural echoes. Made in 2021, it situates itself in the present while drawing heavily on the visual codes of mid-20th century film noir. Consider the power dynamics suggested here. The woman, with her direct gaze and cocktail, embodies a certain kind of power associated with the femme fatale, a figure popularized in American cinema during and after the Second World War. She's positioned against the backdrop of a gambling scene, complete with a cigar and playing cards, symbols of male dominated spaces. However, Brook's subverts these symbols by positioning the woman as the central figure, challenging traditional gender roles. Understanding this image requires delving into the history of representation, and the way that popular culture shapes our perceptions of gender, power, and sexuality. To fully appreciate the work, research into cinematic history and gender studies would prove invaluable.