The Pillow 2006

John Currin's painting, "The Pillow," uses oil on canvas, a hallmark of the Old Masters. Currin engages with traditional techniques and a high degree of skill, layering paint to achieve smooth skin tones and fabric textures. The way the cool blue pigment of the pillow contrasts with the warm flesh tones emphasizes the qualities of each material. He captures the softness of the pillow and the delicate surface of skin, demonstrating his mastery of observation. Currin's work often provokes discussion because it references traditional skill but also pokes fun at it. He updates the historical genre of portraiture with a contemporary sensibility, challenging distinctions between craft and fine art. In doing so, he invites us to consider the time and labor involved in both artistic production and the cultural narratives we attach to it.