P.J. Spencer c. 1932

Editor: This is a pencil drawing of P.J. Spencer by Sir Stanley Spencer. It’s a very direct portrait. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the male gaze, especially how it reflects Spencer's view of masculinity. Is this a celebration, a critique, or something in between, considering the societal expectations placed on men? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It's more complex than just a portrait. Curator: Exactly! It challenges us to consider the power dynamics inherent in representation and how identities are constructed. Editor: I'll definitely look at portraits differently from now on. Curator: And remember, the most important thing is to keep asking questions.