Grazing Daze 

Lucia Heffernan’s painting, "Grazing Daze", deploys the pastoral image of the cow, an emblem of rural tranquility, through a lens of 1960s counterculture. The rainbow hues and the stylized ‘Peace’ lettering are clear references to the psychedelic aesthetics of the era. The peace symbol itself, prominently displayed, has its origins in the British nuclear disarmament movement, yet it quickly evolved into a global emblem of anti-war sentiment and universal harmony. It’s a powerful visual shorthand, instantly recognizable across generations. This symbol, though, is not static. Consider its trajectory: From a specific political stance to a broad utopian ideal, it mutates through cultural usage. Here, Heffernan reinvents it once more, inviting us to reflect on how historical symbols persist, adapt, and resurface in unexpected forms, echoing through our collective consciousness. The symbolism engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level.