Conan the Formidable 1991

Editor: Ken Kelly's "Conan the Formidable," created in 1991 using acrylic paint, certainly lives up to its name! There’s such an emphasis on powerful, exaggerated musculature in this scene. I find the lighting and background rather eerie too. What stands out to you, especially thinking about the socio-cultural impact of a work like this? Curator: It's interesting you mention the emphasis on musculature. Consider the historical context: in the late 20th century, we see an increasing valorization of the hyper-masculine physique, fueled by action cinema and the fitness industry. Kelly's Conan aligns perfectly with this cultural trend, but what does that tell us about societal expectations and anxieties regarding masculinity at the time? Editor: That’s a good point. The idea of an almost unrealistic body as the peak ideal… How did this image, designed for mass consumption, shape public perception? Curator: Exactly. And look at the power dynamics at play. We have this formidable, hyper-masculine Conan figure battling a monstrous opponent, seemingly protecting the damsel-like character beside him. It reinforces established gender roles, doesn't it? The image taps into and perpetuates specific, historically rooted ideas. Are these characters a depiction of certain class expectations or is Kelly showing what society wants? Editor: It really makes you think about who this image was intended for. A young male audience probably… Did fantasy illustrators have a certain responsibility to show different ideas? Curator: Precisely! Think about the influence these images have on shaping identity and aspiration, and of representing ideals in a commercial industry that still reverberates through today. It gives you an incentive to explore and examine societal issues presented to an audience of consumers. Editor: So the legacy of "Conan the Formidable" extends beyond just fantasy illustration; it's a mirror reflecting, and reinforcing, cultural norms. Curator: Indeed. And by examining it critically, we can understand more about the society that produced and celebrated it.