Sparkling Blue Rendezvous 

Carrie Graber painted "Sparkling Blue Rendezvous" in oil to capture a scene of leisure. This work immediately places us within a specific aspirational class and geographic location. The setting, reminiscent of a mid-century modern vacation home, hints at a particular kind of American dream. In the United States, backyard swimming pools became a potent symbol of suburban affluence, yet they also masked deeper social divisions, and the racial segregation that characterized much of 20th-century America. This painting, made in the 21st century, is self-consciously participating in the aesthetic of the California dream of the mid-20th century. The figure in the painting is posed and somewhat anonymous, her actions almost performative, suggesting a commentary on social roles and expectations within this culture of leisure. A historian researching this work would likely delve into sources like advertising, architectural magazines, and sociological studies to fully understand its cultural resonances. This painting prompts us to consider how art reflects, reinforces, or critiques the values and structures of its time.