Angus 2017

Curator: At first glance, the piece radiates such earnestness, doesn’t it? It reminds me of a beloved child’s book illustration, with the vivid blue background contrasting with the pup's eager face. Editor: Indeed. Allow me to introduce this work; we are looking at "Angus" by Bernadette Resha, completed in 2017. The artist chose oil on canvas to depict this portrait. In this piece, I find myself pondering how society increasingly humanizes pets, reflecting our evolving understanding of companionship and domesticity. Curator: Absolutely, there’s something deeply evocative in the visual language itself. The terrier's upturned gaze mimics those classic symbols of devotion, similar to, say, the loyal dog often seen in medieval tomb sculptures, meant to symbolize unwavering fealty and eternal watchfulness. Editor: Precisely! The rough, almost naive brushstrokes remind me of art brut, offering a raw authenticity, even as we grapple with issues around breed, class, and who has the privilege to own such an animal. Curator: I see the naive brushstrokes not just as technique but perhaps as an assertion against traditional portraiture which typically upholds power structures through formal sittings. Here, "Angus" feels almost defiant in its simplicity, stripping away any veneer of social expectation. The very act of creating such a piece raises questions about how we commemorate and value different kinds of lives. Editor: I would agree. Consider, also, how domesticated animals historically reflect human values—the dog as guardian, companion, hunter—often revealing more about human culture than the animal itself. Is “Angus” a symbol of unconditional love, or does this portrait tap into deeper anxieties surrounding loneliness and the search for authentic connection in modern life? Curator: A compelling argument. There's also the artist’s signature: visible, legible, and quite proudly displayed. It's not merely a mark of ownership but feels like a conscious claiming of the artwork, especially by a female artist often navigating historically male-dominated spheres. Editor: True, the presentation of the name complicates the narrative! Reflecting on this artwork helps me to see visual resonances echoed through history, subtly influencing how we connect with and memorialize our furry companions. Curator: Indeed, "Angus" resonates deeply in unexpected ways.