Repose 

Joseph Lorusso’s ‘Repose’ captures a figure in a state of rest, rendered with palpable vulnerability. The pose itself is a study in contrasts: while the body is reclined, suggesting relaxation, the arms tightly clutch the torso, hinting at a need for self-protection. This motif of self-embrace is found across centuries of art. Consider how ancient sculptures of Venus often depict the goddess modestly covering herself, a gesture that speaks both to allure and a defensive posture. In ‘Repose,’ Lorusso taps into this visual language, exploring the complex interplay between exposure and concealment. Such gestures resonate deeply because they touch upon primal emotions. This act can be seen as a universal expression of vulnerability, fear, or perhaps even shame. This emotional ambiguity engages us on a subconscious level, inviting us to project our own feelings onto the figure. The cyclical journey of this posture, from antiquity to contemporary art, reveals how certain human emotions remain timeless, continually resurfacing in new artistic forms.