How Shall I Hold On To My Soul 

Curator: Here we have "How Shall I Hold On To My Soul", a painting by Tania Rivilis. It’s difficult to pin down a specific date, but its style and handling of the oil paint places it firmly within contemporary figurative work. Editor: The raw vulnerability jumps out immediately. There's this palpable sense of unease, particularly emanating from the male figure’s averted gaze. It suggests conflict, almost a burden. Curator: It's fascinating to consider Rivilis' process here. Look at the layered brushwork, the almost fleshy tones applied to the figures themselves in sharp contrast with the background treatment. It seems very deliberately crafted to heighten emotional impact through materiality. Oil paint offers an immediate physical dimension through the hand and the surface upon which is layered to create form. Editor: Definitely. The colors themselves become symbolic. Note the blue tones in the woman’s hair against the yellows behind the man’s head: the blue is classically associated with faithfulness while yellow often accompanies deceit, envy or danger. We have the two together and a subtle commentary perhaps on their relationship, and on the different experiences they both encounter. Curator: Absolutely. Thinking about contemporary labour practices, and where artworks like this sit within art fairs and private collections – do you think the rawness of her chosen materials creates accessibility or a stark reminder of the value ascribed to crafted labor? The romantic style of the work conflicts with the current social dynamic for artists today. Editor: The symbolism, of course, could shift from viewer to viewer, and culture to culture. But that yearning quality—the woman's grasp, his almost pained reluctance—is compellingly communicated through their very postures. Curator: Considering art consumption as a mode, what’s striking is Rivilis' focus on the materiality of painting within the social contexts of contemporary portraiture. Her layering and visible brushstrokes bring an honesty which translates and provides something almost more… tangible than your traditional form. Editor: I see a timeless allegory of human connection playing out, using symbolism as a direct bridge to understanding deep emotional terrain. This dialogue the artwork begins can stretch far beyond her studio practice into wider cultural narratives. Curator: And for me, thinking about the physical labour, consumption of oil paint, brushes and canvas. The scale of portraiture itself and what impact this creates within a market lead economy. Both views offer such valuable insight into Rivilis' painting. Editor: Absolutely. Each path, be it symbolic or materialistic, opens a valuable discourse, deepening our appreciation of Tania Rivilis' evocative creation.