Oblivious Fright 2015

Editor: Jason Limon's "Oblivious Fright," created in 2015 using oils and acrylics, strikes me as a strange allegory. The animal is so bizarre, and there's a distinct feeling of tension. What do you see in this piece from a historical and cultural point of view? Curator: I see Limon playing with the loaded symbolism of the occult and integrating it with the language of pop surrealism. Think about how the pyramid structure echoes ancient Egyptian motifs, symbols appropriated by various esoteric societies over time, then juxtapose it against the fantastical creature. Why do you think Limon brings these elements together? Editor: Perhaps it's about the mystery and power we ascribe to ancient knowledge, now packaged in a modern, almost whimsical way? Is Limon making a comment about contemporary obsessions? Curator: Precisely! The figure carrying this strange burden could be read as representing the everyman saddled with the weight of obscured, commodified historical narratives. Limon seems to be asking us to examine what "knowledge" we carry, and to question who profits from its presentation. Do you think the artist provides us with any clues to what those meanings may be? Editor: Maybe through the snakes and arrows scattered on the ground? Possibly symbols of danger and adversity that the figure seems to ignore, reinforcing the idea of obliviousness? Curator: Good point! The "fright" isn’t immediately visible to the animal, which emphasizes this very important sense of unawareness. So, on the whole, how does reflecting on the historical underpinnings affect your view? Editor: It moves it beyond mere fantasy and positions it as a commentary on how we engage with, or perhaps disregard, historical forces and symbols in the present day. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! Understanding the socio-political context definitely enriched the viewing experience for me, as well.