Duck Face 

Lucia Heffernan’s “Duck Face” presents us with two geese taking a selfie, in a humorous commentary on contemporary culture. Heffernan is known for her whimsical animal portraits which often explore human-like behaviors. The painting engages with the phenomenon of social media and self-representation. Consider how the ‘duck face’—a once-ubiquitous pose—highlights the constructed nature of identity in the digital age. The artist uses geese, traditionally symbols of community and loyalty, to mirror the sometimes absurd lengths we go to for online validation. The hats add a touch of class, yet also seem to mock our obsession with appearances. The choice of geese cleverly plays on words, linking the animal's image to the act of posing. What does it mean to see these creatures mimic human behaviors? The painting is as much about our relationship with technology as it is about our own self-perception.