Masquerade 

Sarah Joncas's painting "Masquerade" presents us with a figure rendered in oil paint, a medium known for its smooth, blendable qualities. Joncas uses this to full effect, creating soft transitions of light and shadow across the figure’s skin and clothing. The handling of the paint allows for exquisite detail, from the elaborate hairstyle adorned with pearls, to the intricate patterns on the mask. Oil painting has a long history in Western art. Here, it’s combined with elements of contemporary culture, like the subject’s spikey collar and tattoo. The artist draws on both the traditional and the modern, inviting us to consider how these materials can blur our perception of history and present day. The labor-intensive process of oil painting contrasts with the instantaneous nature of modern image production. "Masquerade" challenges us to consider the relationship between skill, labor, and the creation of meaning in art today.