Story Telling 

Editor: We're looking at Yoko d'Holbachie's painting, "Story Telling." It's...well, it's certainly something! The central figure with those huge eyes and little horns, perched atop what looks like a living hill – it all feels so dreamlike and a bit unsettling. I'm fascinated by the artist's blending of pop-surrealism with, what seems to me, traditional painting techniques. What's your interpretation of this rather whimsical yet strange image? Curator: Whimsical is a lovely starting point! To me, this piece exists in the delicious territory between a sweet dream and a mildly unsettling fairy tale. It has that knowing wink, doesn't it? I see this not just as storytelling, but as story *creation*. Those eyes… aren't they like little universes unto themselves? Notice how they're almost too big, pulling you in, demanding your attention. D'Holbachie uses that exaggeration brilliantly, and then surrounds her with these totems: hearts, skulls… Could this be about love and loss? What sort of story do *you* think she's conjuring? Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it, and that balance really grabs me now! It seems this little world contains life lessons delivered through play. I think the hearts and skulls, as you noted, could suggest different sides of a story. Curator: Exactly! I wonder, could this also reflect on our tendency to romanticize or sanitize even our darkest narratives? She doesn’t shy away from juxtaposing cute with creepy. Editor: I suppose that makes sense; and the combination creates such an intense yet adorable feeling! Well, thanks; I can tell I will certainly have new questions as I continue analyzing this painting. Curator: Anytime; isn't it wonderful how a single work can contain so many layers? Now, go tell your own story!