Professional Widow 

Curator: Troy Brooks’ painting, titled “Professional Widow”, presents a scene heavy with narrative possibility. What strikes you immediately about this oil on canvas? Editor: The almost theatrical staging. The woman is obviously the central figure. Her pale skin and vivid makeup are in stark contrast to the muted tones of the background and the two men almost lurking near the dark wood desk. Curator: Indeed, Brooks crafts a captivating contrast. The men, seemingly engrossed in some activity at the desk, emphasize a workplace. Juxtapose that against the woman; observe her elegant dress, jewelry, and what looks to be a well-stocked bar. How do these choices impact the overall interpretation for you? Editor: Formally speaking, the cool blues and greys create a melancholy atmosphere. I immediately notice the parallel between the harsh lines of the city skyline, her dress lines and the almost geometric way the table and the sofa have been rendered. These lines are disrupted by her bright red, tear-streaked face, calling the eye directly to her. Curator: Fascinating, and considering the potential social commentary—one might consider the roles women played within professional spheres of mid-20th century life and labor, a space historically dominated by men, which this setting clearly evokes. The artist highlights the emotional labor often extracted in a highly unbalanced and rigid professional and social environment. Her almost porcelain face also seems relevant, hinting at an enforced delicacy and beauty ideal. Editor: A visual language that definitely enhances the underlying tension. It's an interplay of light and shadow. It almost perfectly communicates how she is feeling amid all of that perceived order and the clear visual focus, almost as if she were on stage. Curator: The title adds another layer, right? “Professional Widow.” That invites a further analysis of production, consumption, and even of grief, as her status would allow her to gain resources. We are challenged to dissect these issues surrounding gendered roles, emotional duress, and societal expectations. Editor: Definitely. Brooks creates this striking contrast using colors and lines. He guides us into her world but the almost hyperrealistic, almost theatrical, aesthetic pulls you back out again. It makes it harder to pin down what might be going on or what she may be feeling. Curator: Exactly. Ultimately, Brook's piece is so effective, because it’s both aesthetically stunning and emotionally jarring. The painting compels us to ponder the various aspects of her condition within an economic and gendered framework. Editor: Agreed. “Professional Widow” is a haunting and powerful exploration of this complexity using the artist's command of the fundamentals: light, line and composition.