Green Umbrella 

Margareta Sterian presents us with an enigmatic carnival scene, dominated by figures in masks and a curious green umbrella. These masks, reminiscent of Venetian carnivals, evoke a sense of hidden identity and the blurring of social boundaries. This motif of masking reappears throughout history, from ancient rituals to modern-day protests, each time serving to question and subvert established norms. Here, Sterian touches upon the inherent human desire to explore alternate selves, to temporarily shed the constraints of everyday life. The umbrella, a symbol of protection and shelter, takes on an unusual hue, perhaps suggesting a departure from its conventional meaning. It reminds me of the umbrellas in images of processions or formal gatherings of high-ranking religious figures, the colour green being symbolic of renewal. These elements come together to evoke a complex psychological interplay, where collective memories and subconscious urges intertwine, engaging us in a non-linear, cyclical dance of cultural expression.