Morning Song 

Editor: Here we have "Morning Song" by Michael Parkes, an acrylic painting that looks like fantasy art, with a landscape theme. I’m really struck by how serene and ethereal this feels; almost dreamlike with the mermaids and the blindfolded musician. How do you interpret this work? Curator: That feeling of serenity is a good starting point. The imagery blends mythology with what appears to be a critique of perception and societal roles. The blindfolded figure playing music next to a heron…what does that say about who gets to create beauty, and who or what inspires it? Editor: That’s interesting, I hadn't considered the heron's presence. I just saw it as part of the scenery. Curator: Consider also the mermaids. Are they simply objects of beauty, passively receiving the song? Are they representative of silenced voices, their power limited by their representation? Are we seeing an exploration of the female form that intersects with art history and gender theory? Editor: So you see the figures in a wider social and historical context, instead of just mythical characters? Curator: Absolutely. Parkes’ art often explores metaphysical themes, but it's crucial to examine how these themes are expressed through the visual language he employs and how that language reflects power dynamics. Who gets seen? Who is doing the seeing, and how are they limited by their position? How might their limitations inspire others? Editor: I see what you mean. It makes me think about who gets to be an artist, or muse, and why. Thank you for making me look deeper into the work! Curator: Likewise! Looking at a piece like this really emphasizes the critical importance of viewing art as reflective and expressive of complex social realities.