Bored Mermaids 2021

Zoe Hawk's "Bored Mermaids" is probably a painting, and look at how it plays with color, that yellow is so intense! I just love how the artist isn't afraid to slather it on. There's a slightly rough, almost chalky texture to the paint, especially in the way the tails are rendered, it's so different to how you might imagine a mermaid. Look at the way the paint seems dragged across the surface, as if the artist wanted to leave a record of their movements. It makes me think about how process can really become part of the story of the artwork. These mermaids, they’re not just lounging, they’re practically posing, maybe even performing for us. It reminds me of how artists like Balthus staged these uncanny scenes, playing with our expectations.