Pink 

Julie Bell created ‘Pink’ with an unknown medium, leaving its interpretation open to speculation. But this abstract expressionist piece invites us to consider how cultural expectations shape our perceptions of femininity and power. The painting, with its dynamic strokes and fiery hues, could be viewed as a commentary on societal pressures, perhaps reflecting the artist’s feelings toward cultural norms. We might consider how the context of its creation—the late 20th or early 21st century—played a role. Was Bell engaging with second or third-wave feminism, or pushing back against constraints imposed by the art world on female artists? What institutions might have helped or hindered Bell’s artistic journey? As art historians, we turn to biographies, critical reviews, and cultural studies to decode such visual statements. Art is never made in a vacuum; its meaning is always entwined with its social and institutional context.