Sshh! 1999

Editor: So, here we have Deborah Azzopardi's "Sshh!" from 1999, made with acrylic paint. I'm struck by its graphic style; it's like a comic book panel, but so much larger and simpler. What do you make of this insistent gesture? Curator: The silencing finger is a powerful symbol, wouldn't you agree? It spans centuries and cultures, yet it always whispers the same thing: halt, be still, listen... or perhaps, keep a secret. This "Sshh!" seems self-aware, almost confrontational. Does it feel inviting, or cautionary? Editor: I guess I always thought it meant "be quiet," but cautionary...that makes me think. What secret is it guarding? Curator: Precisely! Is it a personal secret, a cultural one? The Pop Art aesthetic, with its bold colours and simplified forms, ironically draws attention to something meant to be hidden. Notice the emphasis on the lips; their redness a universal symbol of allure but also... secrecy. This image pulls on very old visual memory. What does "silence" suggest to you beyond the obvious? Editor: Subtlety, maybe? Now that I’m thinking of that, it's a very *un*subtle take on subtlety! It's so upfront it's almost aggressive! Curator: Indeed. The power lies in its duality: a blunt symbol inviting a deeper, more nuanced interpretation. Azzopardi has masterfully tapped into our collective understanding of signs. Think about what that reveals about our relationship with these kind of images today. Editor: That’s a great point! I'll definitely see this differently now, not just as a command, but a challenge to uncover something hidden. Curator: Precisely! The enduring power of visual language.