Ascend 

Curator: We’re looking now at a piece titled "Ascend" by Vincent Xeus. The work seems to be rendered in oil paint, and possesses a captivating sense of the figurative with distinct impasto layering. What strikes you most about it at first glance? Editor: The texture. The impasto is so prominent; you can practically feel the physicality of the paint. It gives an almost sculptural quality, yet retains a delicacy in rendering the child’s features. It is the materiality that defines it. Curator: Indeed. Xeus utilizes these textured surfaces in interesting conversation with portrait art; here we witness what appears to be a young girl in possibly a bridal ensemble. This invokes so many potential discourses around girlhood, purity, and expectation, that come together and reveal themselves when observed. I wonder about the social contexts evoked. Editor: Agreed. And, notice the symbolism of the white dove she holds. It speaks directly to the artistic labour inherent in allegorical representation; doves are not often simply present. Moreover, the layering of paint mimics the act of constructing these cultural meanings through tactile engagement. Curator: It's interesting how you draw that link. In thinking about social meaning, to what extent can we separate such artworks from an artistic canon that has historically othered children and especially young girls? Here is this vision of girlhood on the precipice of change... a commentary perhaps? Editor: Potentially, and that also has direct relevance to the art itself: the oil paint used here, and the canvas. Considering their origin and the industry surrounding these materials also influences our perception of that young girl as a painted subject, within art as commerce. Curator: Your material-centric view of that image resonates so poignantly. It forces us to reflect upon what it is that goes into creating such works, socially, historically, materially, while the child looks hopefully forward to an ambiguous "ascend." Editor: Precisely! The materiality makes manifest these inherent issues, while prompting an aesthetic consideration that extends well beyond the visual representation of its young subject.