Scorpio 

Editor: This is "Scorpio" by Lucia Heffernan, a painting depicting a cat dressed in formal attire. The cat has a rather serious, almost human-like expression. What stands out to me is the contrast between the formality of the attire and the inherent playfulness we associate with cats. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: I see a clever commentary on social constructs and the projection of human traits onto animals. The cat, adorned with a top hat, monocle, and bow tie, becomes a satirical representation of the upper class, or perhaps even human vanity itself. Do you notice how the backdrop also contributes to this? Editor: You mean the constellation and the celestial background? I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Precisely! Consider the historical context. Portraits, especially of the elite, often included symbols of status and power. By placing a cat in this traditionally human setting, and embedding the Zodiac sign, Heffernan is poking fun at our own self-importance and perhaps alluding to how we use astrology, which historically was associated with kings, to find order in a chaotic world. It makes me think, how much of our identity is really of our own making versus constructed by society? Editor: That's a great point. It really makes you question the way we present ourselves and the roles we play. So the humour is a device for social commentary. Curator: Yes! The cat isn't just a cute animal; it becomes a vessel for exploring themes of social class, identity, and even our relationship with the natural world. How are animals depicted in a gallery setting versus pets depicted at home? The institution of the gallery can alter one's perception, as well. Editor: That’s fascinating! I’ll definitely look at portraits differently from now on. Curator: Indeed! And hopefully consider how context and institutional power can change our perspectives.