Girl of the Fields 1966

Editor: Petros Malayan's "Girl of the Fields," created in 1966 using watercolors, really strikes me with its raw and somewhat melancholic tone. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I notice how the artist renders the young woman almost like an icon, her gaze steady, carrying burdens—or perhaps the tools of labor—across her shoulders. There’s a compelling blend of vulnerability and strength in that upward look. Does the coloring remind you of any traditional images? Editor: I can see the icon resemblance, with her upward gaze. The use of earth tones makes me think about connection to land and also a lack of material means, like maybe an allusion to poverty? Curator: Precisely. And that specific shade of red around her head is striking; the red colour often signified sacrifice, a subtle, visual echo within our cultural memory. Perhaps a hope or devotion is connected with suffering, do you see anything hopeful? Editor: Well, in addition to her red cap, the splashes of light seem to provide warmth despite the heavy symbolism and earth colors. Also, she appears pretty young. She has years ahead of her. Curator: She stands as a reminder of youthful labor—that ongoing tension, generation upon generation. And that splash of blue to the side evokes…what? Editor: A touch of serenity amidst it all? It really invites reflection on resilience. This deeper dive makes me see the painting with new appreciation. Thank you for that! Curator: And thank you. I am struck once more by how our reading of color impacts a work of art. I shall never see blue the same again.