Final alice Jumbo 

Editor: This painting, titled "Final Alice Jumbo" by Sue Coe, feels like a dark circus fever dream. I'm immediately struck by the way the artist has layered the scenes – from what seems like a traditional circus act with tigers, to winged elephants, and an eerie, watchful crowd. What do you see in this piece? Curator: From a materialist perspective, I see a pointed commentary on the exploitation inherent within spectacle. Consider the animal labor depicted; the forced performances of the tigers, the elephants posed as fantastical beings. The application of paint, particularly its almost rough, visceral quality, reinforces this sense of unease. Editor: The text in the lower right corner is interesting, although hard to read, could it explain her material choices? Curator: Indeed. Coe often incorporates text directly into her work to amplify its social commentary. Examining her choices regarding acrylic paint allows us to discuss the accessibility and relative cheapness compared to oils; an artistic decision that democratizes creation by connecting its means of production with an intention to expose systemic oppression rather than merely elevate “high art”. The roughness also counters ideals of spectacle. Does that make sense? Editor: It does. So it’s not just *what* she's painting but also *how* she's painting it that is crucial. The somewhat naive style of folk art also seems to counter the traditions of ‘high art’ in favor of expression. Curator: Precisely. How does this layering of visual narratives challenge or subvert traditional notions of portraiture, narrative art, or landscape within established fine art contexts? Where do we place this type of work that actively challenges these notions? Editor: I’m beginning to understand how Coe’s methods actively question and disrupt traditional ideas about art making itself and the socioeconomic systems that underpin it. Thanks, that gives me much to think about! Curator: And, likewise, to me! Focusing on these elements adds another rich layer to my comprehension of the piece.