Las dos Mariás 1950

Curator: Immediately, there’s something so alluring in its composition. It looks quite theatrical, but maybe that is simply my eye going there first. Editor: Let’s delve into the artistry itself. What we are seeing is L\u00e9onor Fini’s 1950 oil on canvas piece, “Las dos Mar\u00edas” – The Two Mar\u00edas. Curator: The two figures, the sharp contrast between the colours... It seems to split them—almost as if to point at them as opposing forces. Editor: In many respects, that duality certainly plays into a bigger role in its symbolism within a historical and cultural frame of the time. Post World War 2, in many circles, you began seeing art created by female artists being pushed more and more into the cultural landscape, whether it be appreciated or unappreciated. This certainly challenged norms, expectations... even certain institutional frameworks around how women's bodies were both received and perceived. Curator: Thinking about how L\u00e9onor Fini defied expectations... that brazenness really echoes here. One Maria, nearly nude with brilliant orange fabric; the other veiled in darkness. The sensuality contrasted against what seems, almost, to be religious modesty... what do you suppose she wanted to signal? Editor: When looking at this piece from the scope of materialism and labor, it becomes clear how, even through such classical materials as oil paint, Fini brings in such powerful concepts of class, sexuality, gender, identity... It begs us to question who benefits from what materials she decides to display... who buys into this conversation. It definitely moves beyond aesthetics into this whole area of power dynamics, doesn't it? Curator: Yes, absolutely. The consumption of art is never without the complexities that are brought about by power structures. When viewing "Las dos Mar\u00edas" from this angle, it prompts discussion surrounding access, who has ownership... The simple composition, and the decision behind it all really gives way to discussions about female sexuality during a tumultuous time in human history. Editor: It leaves me questioning if these "Mar\u00edas" might have been two parts of the same figure and its journey. Either way, it's left a lasting impact, no doubt. Curator: And it most certainly underscores just how daring L\u00e9onor Fini was in that era and to have her be unapologetically herself. It is a fantastic lens to gaze upon how cultural identity is produced through something as timeless as visual art.