‘Unnatural’ Cover 

Editor: This is 'Unnatural' Cover by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau. It appears to be acrylic paint, with digital enhancements. I'm struck by the intimacy, this close embrace. What symbolic reading would you give this image? Curator: Consider the hybridity of these figures. The "unnatural" title suggests a disruption of accepted norms. We see figures who are both human and animalistic – rabbit ears, a tail. What does this combination evoke for you? Editor: It feels…playful, but also a little unsettling, like a subversion of familiar archetypes. Curator: Precisely. This visual blending calls into question our expectations of identity. In mythology, animalistic traits often represent primal instincts, while human characteristics signify intellect and reason. What happens when these boundaries blur? Does the embrace signify acceptance, a unity of disparate elements? Editor: So, the ‘unnatural’ aspect might point towards questioning these boundaries themselves, embracing something beyond simple categories. What do you think this means in today’s context? Curator: It speaks to the contemporary fascination with identity fluidity, pushing against rigid definitions. We grapple with understanding and acceptance of identities that challenge traditional frameworks. The image becomes a potent symbol of inclusivity, embracing the unconventional. Is this also something that you feel as you contemplate this image? Editor: Yes, definitely! The hug now seems more poignant; less unsettling and more genuinely warm. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, a compelling work that continues to spark conversation.