Peacokes 

Curator: Francis Barlow's "Peacokes" presents us with an intimate glimpse into the avian world, rendered with striking detail. Editor: It's…surprisingly understated. I expected more pomp and circumstance from peacocks. They seem almost melancholic. Curator: Their subdued portrayal may reflect Barlow's interest in representing them outside of pure symbolism. The peacock, traditionally a symbol of vanity and pride, here, feels almost domestic. Editor: Domestic, yes, but also a bit caged in, no? The fence feels less pastoral and more like a boundary, a restriction. Perhaps it's about the loss of wildness, even in something as inherently flamboyant as a peacock. Curator: Interesting thought. Consider too how the peacocks were viewed. As ornamental birds adorning aristocratic estates, they become symbols of wealth and control. Editor: So, Barlow, by stripping away the overt display, is making us question the true nature of their beauty and what it signifies. I like that. It's like he's asking, "Are they truly free, or just beautiful prisoners?" Curator: Precisely. By observing the enduring iconography of the peacock, he compels us to confront the complex and ever-shifting meanings attached to visual symbols. Editor: Well, I'll never look at a peacock the same way again. Thanks, Francis!