Yvette and Hot Friend 2017

David Michael Hinnebusch’s "Yvette and Hot Friend" is full of layered symbolism. Note the exuberant swirls of paint: these curling motifs, like the ancient symbol of the serpent, possess the power to evoke primal energy. The serpent’s coil appears in countless forms, from the caduceus of Hermes to the ouroboros devouring its tail. Here, these forms speak to the cyclical nature of existence, a reminder of renewal and transformation. The depiction of the two women conveys the enduring human impulse to capture moments of joy and camaraderie. The act of smiling, a universally understood expression of happiness, bridges cultural and temporal divides. It is a gesture that transcends language, connecting us to the shared human experience. By tapping into this collective memory, Hinnebusch engages us on a profound level, reminding us that art serves as a mirror. The ever-evolving symbols persist, adapt, and resurface.