Untitled 

Editor: This is an untitled painting by Antonio Bueno. The piece depicts two young, fair-skinned, red-haired girls. One is holding a cello and the other is holding a flute, both against a dark, undefined background. I’m immediately struck by the simplicity of the figures, but it is the contrast with their serious expressions that holds my gaze. What do you make of it? Curator: It’s interesting that you’re drawn to the perceived “seriousness” – or is it perhaps a melancholy? – within this piece. Think about the social constructs around the portrayal of young women and their roles throughout art history. How does Bueno challenge or reinforce these norms? The absence of context, the lack of narrative, also forces us to consider our own projections. Is it merely the absence of a smile that makes them serious, or does our historical understanding of art colour our viewpoint? Editor: That makes me think of how often women, especially young women, were portrayed passively throughout art history. I guess I’m bringing that history to my interpretation of these figures as somewhat stoic, maybe even constrained. Curator: Exactly. And by depicting these young women with musical instruments, traditionally associated with refined upper-class society, Bueno engages with questions of class, gender, and privilege, wouldn't you say? Are they empowered by their artistry, or merely displaying skills expected of them? Further, consider the historical symbolism of musical instruments themselves. What cultural narratives might Bueno be alluding to through their inclusion? Editor: I didn't consider that. I was too focused on their expressions, but you're right, the instruments themselves carry so much baggage. They seem suspended outside time. Curator: Indeed. And the deliberate naiveté in style and composition adds another layer of complexity. Bueno’s modernism confronts us to not only look but question what we’re viewing, and its place in a wider political context. Editor: I see what you mean! I'll never be able to unsee it now! Curator: Good, because art should invite discourse to incite social awareness.