The Balance of the Zodiac 

Curator: Luis Ricardo Falero invites us to contemplate an ethereal scene in his painting, "The Balance of the Zodiac." Editor: The immediate impression is one of disquieting sensuality; a dreamy floating tableau rendered in deep blacks and luminous flesh tones. Curator: The dark backdrop emphasizes the two female figures posed precariously upon a Libra scale suspended in what seems to be a starlit sky. The bodies, pale and idealized, serve as both subjects and tools of allegory. The artist's romantic approach employs careful arrangements to portray balance and harmony. Editor: Romantic, yes, but let’s examine how the idealization of female bodies here contributes to a specific, perhaps limited, understanding of femininity itself. These are products of a gaze that reinforces particular social narratives about beauty, class and consumption, no? Curator: True. Though Falero gives the scales equal value by balancing a crown with doves on each side, these are just materials within his grand allegory of order. Each side offers the other something of value. Doves signify innocence, whilst the crown represents power and perhaps ego. These are materials brought together within the structure of the work. Editor: Speaking of materials, note the paint handling—smooth, almost porcelain. Falero clearly masters the illusion of texture. This controlled finish reinforces the overall feeling of detachment. There's no trace of the artist's hand in terms of bold brushstrokes; just this cool perfection. And those figures are beautifully and realistically painted as if frozen. Curator: A beautiful application can nonetheless mask complexities of the art world, especially in that period of increased consumption in artistic practices; the artist utilizes these skills to elevate this creation from object making into something beautiful Editor: Indeed! So, both the ethereal composition and earthly social relations leave one musing about balance; beauty versus societal values. Curator: A dance between ideals and conditions in constant dialogue.