Olive Branch 

Curator: Here we have Cassidy Rae Marietta's intriguing piece entitled "Olive Branch". It is a digital graphic, style inspired by pop art with fantasy elements that places organic forms within an interesting figuration. Editor: Okay, first impression? Slightly macabre but, in a very lush, fertile way. A beautiful woman almost becoming one with the vibrant foliage, while clinging to…is that a skeleton? It’s a real contrast. Curator: Indeed. The work seems to explore themes of mortality and renewal, quite powerfully so through its use of contrast between flesh and bone, the ephemeral and the eternal, if you will. What historical context could you see this referring to? Editor: I’m getting echoes of Art Nouveau—that embrace of organic lines, but definitely with a modern twist and this interesting layering of a figure. The artist lets us peek under the skin—makes you think about internal structure. This also brings the themes of body politic into consideration. Curator: And how do you feel that commentary reflects on the contemporary consumption of media? Do you see the artist inviting that kind of interpretation? Editor: Absolutely. By showcasing the fragility of flesh and then highlighting the hard and resilient skeleton in that almost vulnerable pose, I wonder if the artist intended a stark reminder that the media we consume has an affect on the mortal condition. Curator: The skeletal forms depicted prompt us to reflect on the transient nature of the body and existence as well as this ever constant dialogue of media consumption that society continues to deal with. A pretty powerful message that can make a viewer uncomfortable! Editor: I agree! It’s beautiful, disturbing, and ultimately makes me consider the cycle of life and how we as individuals affect not just ourselves, but everyone who we meet. How utterly bizarre. Curator: I would encourage any who are passing to reflect on that powerful point.