The sun also rises 

Editor: Here we have Fernanda Suarez’s painting "The Sun Also Rises." It feels very dreamlike and surreal. What's most striking to me is the combination of hyperrealism in the figure’s face mixed with such obviously symbolic imagery - the white rose, the birds. How would you interpret this work? Curator: It's fascinating to consider Suarez’s process. Acrylic paint, a decidedly modern and easily manufactured material, is employed with the traditional figuration of painting. Notice how she builds layers, both obscuring and revealing. Think about the implications of using accessible materials like acrylics versus, say, oils. Does this choice democratize art production? Editor: I suppose so. The availability of materials definitely influences who gets to create art. It makes you wonder if Suarez is deliberately trying to challenge elitist ideas. Curator: Exactly! The ethereal veil, possibly made of simple manufactured nylon, when placed against the skin invites a consideration of mass production versus the unique and natural. Moreover, what of the digital process behind such images? There is likely manipulation, corrections, re-touching taking place using factory-produced technology. How does labor enter into her artistic vision here? Editor: It's interesting how you bring up the labor and accessibility aspects of art making. I hadn’t considered that before. Curator: Examining the materials and the methods can often reveal deeper social and economic narratives within the art itself. It encourages us to move beyond just the surface of aesthetic appreciation. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider the next time I look at art. Thank you for your insights. Curator: My pleasure. Considering the material realities of art creation really opens up new ways of seeing.