Shinigami 

Curator: Here we have Sarah Joncas's painting, "Shinigami," a captivating piece rendered in acrylics. Editor: It's dreamlike. The way the figure blends into that otherworldly shoreline gives it such a delicate melancholy. Curator: Absolutely. Joncas often explores these ethereal realms, blending elements of fantasy with portraiture. Notice the figure holding the lantern. The craft! You can almost feel the gentle warmth it casts on her face. Editor: Speaking of warmth, the entire scene feels so meticulously planned. I am curious about Joncas's artistic journey – I wonder if there are underdrawings beneath the final layers of paint. But yes, the use of acrylics gives such a soft, matte texture; it works perfectly for this dreamscape. Curator: There is a beautiful balance, right? A juxtaposition of hard materials with such a light feel! In the Japanese tradition, a shinigami is a sort of death spirit, often leading souls to the afterlife. Here, however, it seems Joncas reclaims the character and gives it more control over destiny. Editor: Right, the concept of “leading” feels key. Because lanterns are about labor too, right? Lighting the path and creating a visual field within a wider culture. She literally sheds light on these questions. Curator: Beautifully put. And it reflects, perhaps, Joncas’ own path. I see a reclaiming of narratives, of cultural symbols made her own. She uses orientalist themes as a departure point rather than something static. Editor: Absolutely! The consumption of "Eastern" cultures continues – but the means and practices employed here suggest Joncas is making something new with something old. Curator: I find her art always invites me to pause, to consider these questions – that quiet invitation, and, hopefully, quiet reclaiming is what is truly striking about her paintings. Editor: Agreed! The artwork allows viewers to ponder broader concerns about global culture, art history, production, and interpretation – definitely worth deeper contemplation!