The Chameleon 2021

Editor: So, here we have Lanise Howard's 2021 oil painting, "The Chameleon." The detail in the face really stands out; there's this incredible expressiveness, yet also a feeling of... withholding, maybe? How do you interpret this work? Curator: This portrait, rendered with remarkable detail, demands that we confront the gaze and the construction of identity, particularly racial identity, within contemporary art. The title "The Chameleon" immediately prompts questions: What aspects of identity are being presented or concealed? Are we looking at performance, or survival? Editor: That’s interesting, performance. I hadn’t thought of that. Curator: The artist seems acutely aware of the politics of visibility and representation. Consider the softness of the background against the sharp detail of the facial features; it almost feels like a negotiation between revealing and protecting. Do you notice how the eyes engage the viewer directly? What narratives do you think the artist is hoping to elicit by creating such a relatable, hyper-realistic image? Editor: I see what you mean about the direct gaze. Maybe it's about confronting stereotypes head-on, forcing the viewer to really *see* the individual beyond racial preconceptions? And I guess the chameleon aspect refers to having to shift to navigate different spaces. Curator: Precisely. Think about how historical portraiture often served to solidify power and status. Here, Howard seems to subvert that tradition by emphasizing fluidity and resilience. What do you think is achieved by making these choices? Editor: I guess, ultimately, it becomes an incredibly powerful statement about Black identity – acknowledging the historical context while also celebrating individuality and agency. I see so much more now than just an intense portrait! Curator: Yes, by engaging with both art history and contemporary social realities, we’re better equipped to see how artists like Howard are actively shaping these conversations.