From My Deepest Roots 

Curator: Let's spend a moment with Tania Rivilis's painting, titled "From My Deepest Roots." An oil on canvas, it presents a striking figurative composition, dominated by the portrait of a man. Editor: The intensity is immediately apparent. There's a certain rawness, both in the subject's exposed physicality and in the bold brushstrokes of ochre and violet surrounding him. A sense of foreboding almost, though it's undeniably captivating. Curator: It is fascinating to consider what this piece says about evolving societal values and power dynamics. A bare-chested figure with an axe isn’t an inherently subversive image. But think of masculinity as a performed construct, reflecting changing attitudes. Is it commentary, is it endorsement, what do you see here? Editor: That’s key – performance. The confident stare clashes a little with the slight tension I read in the figure's jaw and hand grip. This seems to push the hypermasculine to some other meaning. Perhaps it's the subtle colour palette – yellows and purples usually convey wealth. The effect is more complex than just simple man-as-provider. Is there something we can read on ideas about body image or how society views this figure and those he would have represented? Curator: Rivilis definitely engages in dialogue with historical portraiture traditions while subverting those conventions with that intense expression and unusual colour balance. What impact does the depiction of labor through painting have within the wider art market or social context, given what we know about societal divisions in those arenas? The muscular physique is classically rendered, which is also compelling here. Editor: And it does give the viewer something to think about regarding what our preconceived notions of portraiture might include! I initially saw power in the presentation, a self-assured presence and competence. On the other hand, you've framed new pathways. Interesting piece. Curator: It truly exemplifies how a portrait transcends mere representation. Editor: Absolutely, thank you.