Story; Enravishment 

Editor: So, here we have Tania Rivilis' painting "Story; Enravishment," an oil-paint piece. The almost disorienting perspective and the use of light create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and vulnerable. What is your read on this piece? Curator: The unconventional point of view does invite a feeling of intimacy, but I think it’s more about how that intimacy is presented and framed. Figurative art, especially portraiture, always operates within certain social scripts, ways of seeing and being seen. The way Rivilis has cropped the subjects and distorted perspective subverts traditional expectations of the ideal image. Have you seen similar approaches elsewhere? Editor: Not immediately, but the unconventionality is part of its appeal. How does it challenge established conventions? Curator: Well, portraiture often serves as a form of social validation, especially historically, reinforcing societal norms. Rivilis' painting avoids this. The brushstrokes are visible; it doesn’t idealize, instead portraying the subjects in what could be seen as an unposed moment. Think about the institutional forces – galleries, collectors, public opinion – that often favor polished, idealized depictions. How does this piece defy that preference? Editor: It feels much more raw and honest because of that, focusing on the actual experience between people rather than portraying them to fit social expectations. Curator: Precisely! And the visible brushwork, the imperfections – they're a statement. A rejection of the demand for perfect imagery, which reflects back onto the real, complex nature of human connection. Considering the power structures embedded in how we portray each other, who do you think this artwork might be advocating *for*, by its challenging nature? Editor: Perhaps for a more empathetic and understanding representation of human experience, a rejection of overly constructed narratives. It shows vulnerability, and challenges what gets shown. Curator: Indeed! A subtle yet powerful statement against conformity, and a celebration of real relationships, questioning whose stories and images we prioritize within art and society. I find the experience truly moving, after diving into the painting a little deeper. Editor: I agree; thinking about the social implications of even intimate art like this has made me see so much more in this painting.