Flora and Fauna 2021

Carrie Graber's painting, *Flora and Fauna,* captures a woman in a moment of repose, rendered with a cool, photo-realistic style. The mid-century modern architecture situates us within a very particular fantasy of affluence. This aesthetic emerged in the post-war era, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism and consumerism in American culture, which often seemed at odds with realities. Yet the woman, whose gaze is turned downward towards the pool, seems less than enthralled with her surroundings. Her dark dress and up-do feels at odds with the casual setting, suggesting a discomfort or perhaps a performance of femininity. A yellow rubber duck floats in the pool adding to the atmosphere of displaced calm. As Graber has said, she is interested in, “exploring themes related to perception and identity in a media saturated world.” Ultimately, the painting evokes a sense of longing. A longing for stability and authenticity in a world of fleeting images and constructed identities.