Symposium I 1974 - 1977

Curator: Helen Lessore’s painting, Symposium I, presents an intriguing gathering, though the date of its creation is unknown. Editor: There is a peculiar, almost dreamlike quality to it. The palette is muted, dominated by earth tones. Curator: Note the composition. The artist has employed a circular arrangement, almost like a dance, drawing the viewer's eye around the tableau. Editor: And consider the materiality: the canvas itself, the texture of the paint, the slow, deliberate layering to build depth. This clearly prioritizes process. Curator: I see a tension between the figures. Their postures and expressions, though subtle, suggest unease despite the communal setting. Editor: The table becomes a loaded signifier—a site of nourishment, but also a stage for social performance, a testament to our consumption patterns. Curator: An interesting consideration. Lessore's painting, in its quiet way, offers a space for reflection. Editor: Absolutely. The piece highlights art-making and social dynamics, prompting considerations on labor, process and engagement.