What the Future Holds 2021

Curator: What an interesting space! This is “What the Future Holds,” a painting by Carrie Graber created in 2021. She’s working with acrylics here. It feels incredibly still and contemplative. Editor: Yes, that stillness almost feels unsettling. It's like a stage set waiting for the players. There's an obvious nod to modernist architecture and maybe even a critique of high-end material culture with the depiction of sleek furnishings against the panoramic vista. Curator: I'm struck by the tension between the promise of utopia—those clean lines, that expansive view—and the almost melancholic figure in the window. We see Graber considering geometric structures, architectural forms, and also, landscape traditions—notice the foliage. She allows a modern interpretation of each. Editor: Absolutely, that figure is key. Its silhouette against the light pulls you in. It almost feels voyeuristic, as if we’re intruding on a private moment, contemplating the meaning of the landscape. Also, the manipulation of acrylic is something to mention. This level of smoothness with an artificial material almost blends it with the composition entirely, a smooth image, perfect image. Curator: The city on the horizon feels deliberately distant, idealized even. Considering contemporary concerns regarding environmental sustainability and social disparity, the artist might be prompting a reassessment of our aspirations. The perfect home and a beautiful body overlooking the ideal city. The geometric lines give shape to perfection in what the future holds. Editor: I agree. This artwork speaks volumes about the curated lives, and how society is shaped and is influenced by the architectural canon. Its pristine image could also be used to critique the modern themes by challenging notions of aspiration and success within consumer culture, given how material the space looks. Curator: Ultimately, it raises some intriguing questions regarding our relationship with the environment and the type of space that reflects the values of an individual. What is this painting suggesting about the future of dwelling? Editor: Yes, that question resonates deeply, a moment frozen between utopian visions and an underlying awareness of complexity—all cleverly communicated through the application of those carefully chosen acrylics.