As You Do 

Editor: We're looking at "As You Do," a contemporary painting by Jeff Jamison. It feels very much like an urban snapshot. I’m struck by how the umbrellas seem to dot the canvas, punctuating the rather grey scene with little bursts of colour. What stands out to you about this work? Curator: What grabs my attention is how Jamison portrays public space. These figures with their umbrellas are navigating the very specific kind of public life that a rainy city fosters. This painting, in its realism, is depicting the street as a shared space shaped by weather, architecture, and, significantly, class. Editor: Class? Curator: Consider the architecture: uniform facades, wrought iron, very proper. It evokes a specific socio-economic milieu. Then observe the figures – their attire and purposeful stride suggest middle-class professionals going about their routines despite the rain. Think about who historically is afforded the protection and mobility within urban environments, and who isn't. Editor: So, it’s not just a cityscape, but a commentary on access and urban experience? The almost muted palette suddenly speaks volumes. Curator: Exactly! The "realism" isn’t just about accurate depiction. It’s a tool. The mundane details—the bicycle, the briefcases, the street lamp—all contribute to a very particular vision of urban life, one where privilege subtly dictates how one moves through and experiences the city. Do you see it now? Editor: Absolutely. I came in thinking about colour and composition, but I’m leaving thinking about the politics of a rainy day! Thank you for widening my perspective. Curator: It was my pleasure. Paying attention to the cultural and political contexts of art can reveal new layers of meaning within seemingly simple scenes.