Lucky by Jason Limon

Lucky

Listen to curator's interpretation

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Curatorial notes

Jason Limon made this painting, called *Lucky*, during the 21st century. The artwork uses a range of images and symbols related to luck and good fortune. These include a lucky number seven, a lucky duck, a lucky fish and the word ‘WIN’ displayed on the character’s helmet. This image has a special significance when we consider it in a broader social and cultural context. Limon is from San Antonio, Texas, which has a strong history of gambling culture. Lotteries and games of chance have long been viewed by many as a way of changing one’s economic circumstances. For working class people it is a means of creating an alternative outcome for themselves. This kind of cultural context can offer us a different interpretation of this work. It's not simply a painting about luck; it could be a commentary on economic disparity. To understand the painting better, one could research regional histories of gambling and its cultural significance. By considering the historical background, we can gain a deeper understanding of what this image means to those who made it and those who view it.