Ice Boob 

Curator: We're looking at "Ice Boob" by Dave Macdowell. It seems to be executed in mixed media, most noticeably with acrylic paint. Editor: Oh, wow! My first impression is…loud. Aggressive even. It's got this bold, in-your-face quality with a dash of pop surrealism. Curator: Macdowell combines portraiture with a nod to contemporary surrealism here. Let's examine the construction; there is layering, especially apparent in the figures. Notice the medium—acrylic lends itself to the boldness and flatness reminiscent of commercial art. The canvas's surface doesn't appear to have elaborate prep work. What statements might the artist be making with these intentional raw and contemporary touches? Editor: The most immediate symbol is the phrase "Bye Felicia!" inked across the chest, right? This has morphed into a dismissal, but originates from the film Friday; consider that film’s social and cultural influence! There’s also this…triptych of faces – a furious face above and mirroring faces on what could represent pectorals – with a gold chain hanging between them. Each image speaks volumes. The gold charm even features tiny sneakers – what cultural reference is the artist drawing on? Curator: The artist layers image upon image; the materials here facilitate the process of image making, creating the effect. Acrylic allows for immediate build-up and graphic clarity. Look closer! Those sneakers evoke celebrity athlete culture. This choice, together with the phrases and recognizable features, points toward pop culture's impact on identity, status and how value is produced and circulated. Editor: That top face seems almost demonic; meanwhile, the mirroring figures on the lower section have a humorous gleam. They tell stories, even acting as talismans for attitude, confidence and challenge. "Bye Felicia" itself speaks volumes about empowerment… or dismissal… which invites broader discussion on social and personal value. Curator: Exactly. Macdowell has clearly engaged with contemporary social narratives here through materials, labor, and iconic reference points. I think what intrigues me is the blend of popular culture with an almost classic painting style. The materials help achieve a distinctive contemporary visual language, bridging those divides and encouraging accessibility in both directions. Editor: I agree! Looking at the composition again, it leaves me with that feeling—an echo of contemporary culture with that eternal question: how do we remember? Fascinating.