Portrait Of The Enemy 

Lucia Heffernan created this painting, "Portrait of the Enemy," inviting us to consider themes of predator versus prey. Here, we see a bird perched on a tree, palette in hand, painting a cat peering out of a window. The cat, seemingly unaware, is also visible in a small painting on an easel. Heffernan’s image, made in the United States, speaks to the cultural phenomenon of anthropomorphism - giving human characteristics to animals - often used for comedic or satirical effect. The artist cleverly plays with the common, almost cartoonish, animosity between cats and birds. The use of the traditional medium of painting and the formal structure of a portrait lend a certain gravitas, while the humorous role reversal creates a lighthearted commentary on power dynamics. Understanding the context in which art is made requires research into artistic traditions and cultural norms. Only then can we fully appreciate how artists challenge or reinforce the social structures of their time.