Bear 

Curator: Welcome. Before us is a mixed-media artwork entitled "Bear" by Sue Coe. Editor: Immediately striking is its almost oppressive atmosphere. The palette is dark, punctuated by harsh, theatrical lighting that throws these distorted figures into sharp relief. Curator: Coe is known for her unflinching social realism, particularly her depictions of animal exploitation. Her works challenge the ethical framework within which societal practices and power structures are justified. Editor: Yes, the composition reinforces that message. The titular bear is centered but isolated on a stage, surrounded by menacing figures. The stark contrast highlights the creature's vulnerability. Note the leash held by the sinister figure to the left; it creates a strong diagonal, forcing our eyes to witness this spectacle. Curator: It's crucial to understand how Coe uses anthropomorphism here. The bear is adorned with boots and there is a character riding it. This challenges us to think about the treatment of animals as commodities. The paintings, drawings, and prints Coe made throughout her career consistently address this theme. Editor: And it's rendered with a raw, expressive style that heightens the emotional impact. The gestural brushstrokes, the exaggerated features of the figures… It’s not aiming for objective representation but emotional truth. It feels more expressionist than realist. Curator: That expressive quality directly serves her purpose. The painting is undeniably narrative, urging viewers to consider the historical and ongoing context of cruelty towards animals within performance settings. Coe often investigates political and historical moments that influence human behavior, using imagery to incite conversation. Editor: A dialogue, perhaps, where we move past just passively looking, to actively interrogating what we see. Curator: Exactly. The distortions and exaggerations she employs draw our attention and demand we respond. It’s a complex, layered work of art. Editor: Indeed, “Bear” certainly compels a reconsideration of power, performance, and our relationship with the natural world.