Sacred Heart 2018

Editor: Jana Brike’s "Sacred Heart," painted in 2018 using acrylics, presents a striking figure. I am immediately drawn to the somewhat unsettling juxtaposition of innocence and vulnerability in the portrait. What do you see in this piece? Curator: From a formalist perspective, I’m struck by how the artist uses the arrangement of forms—the figure, the flowers, and the butterflies—to create a dialogue between concealment and revelation. Notice how the composition directs our gaze towards the hands cradling the bursting peony, obscuring and revealing simultaneously. What effect do you think this tension has? Editor: I think the tension creates a sense of unease but also intimacy, almost like witnessing something private. Curator: Precisely. Consider the interplay of colors too. The muted flesh tones contrast with the vibrant pink of the peony, creating a visual focal point that’s both alluring and slightly disturbing. The flowers and butterflies, rendered with precise detail, serve not just as decorative elements but also as symbolic components within a meticulously constructed visual framework. Editor: So you're saying the elements within the painting create more complexity and contribute to the overall narrative. Curator: Precisely. And let’s not overlook the surface itself. The application of acrylic, and Brike's meticulous control over its textures, lends another layer to its complex narrative. How does her rendering speak to you? Editor: Now that you point it out, I notice the contrast between soft skin and controlled floral depictions. I appreciate seeing how the visual and technical details build the artist's message. Curator: Absolutely, every artistic decision from subject to style builds meaning for the artwork. Editor: This close examination has opened my eyes to the complexity, the layers in what seemed like a straightforward portrait. I appreciate the visual elements Jana uses and their effect. Curator: Indeed, understanding art begins with really seeing it.