Voice in the Wilderness 

Curator: Let’s take a look at "Voice in the Wilderness" by Sarah Joncas. Immediately, I'm struck by the somewhat mournful feeling. What's your take? Editor: It's quite evocative, isn't it? The deep blues and greens contrasted with her bright red hair are so striking. Speaking materially, the textures achieved with oil paint here—the soft, almost glowing skin versus the coarse knit of the sweater—show the artist’s skillful handling of the medium. I imagine there’s quite a bit of layering and glazing at work here. Curator: Definitely. And I think that material contrast lends to its deeper meanings. The forest surrounding the figure hints at something primeval, and the knitted sweater—likely mass produced—places her firmly in a modern context. Do you think the artist contrasts her materials in a conscious way, imbuing these modern materials and fabrics in a primordial setting with tension? Editor: Possibly. The sweater feels almost like armor here, protecting her from that wilder space. Iconographically, red hair has had quite a history. Think of its association with magic, witchcraft, passion. Against that cool-toned backdrop, it burns intensely. It definitely adds to the symbolism. Curator: Absolutely. I am especially interested in how Joncas's utilization of what appears to be an oil medium can either convey its past ties and histories in High Renaissance Portraiture, and also the more contemporary use of materials within illustration. Perhaps Joncas wants to position her figure at odds, like an allegory, but perhaps as a product in consumer culture. It poses more questions than it answers! Editor: Precisely. The leaves woven throughout her hair almost echo classical depictions of Daphne, the nymph who transforms into a tree. Yet, there’s also something very current about the figure’s gaze. It makes us wonder about feminine power in a contemporary setting. It draws from recognizable narratives but remains so very open-ended. It leaves us contemplating themes like innocence and self discovery. Curator: And it challenges our conventional reading of production! Thank you, that was most enlightening! Editor: My pleasure. The journey into visual symbols and how their significance shifts is always compelling.