Return of the White Hart 2017

Curator: Right, let’s turn our attention to "Return of the White Hart" by Mary Jane Ansell, created in 2017. Editor: Woah. Stark. I mean, it’s visually stunning, almost haunting, like a modern-day ice queen posing for a… well, for this. Is it oil? It has that smooth, almost ethereal quality. Curator: It does have an arresting quality, doesn't it? Yes, Ansell is known for her delicate oil paintings, often featuring figures adorned with symbolic elements. Here, we see a young woman, beautifully rendered, adorned with fur and holding antlers. It resonates with ancient hunting rituals and perhaps a return to nature. Editor: Return is right! That massive fur hat says, "I’ve been trekking through the tundra!" But seriously, it strikes me as a very self-possessed kind of power. Those antlers especially. Like she's reclaiming something, maybe a lost feminine strength symbolized by the hart. Does the “white hart” specifically hold significance? Curator: Indeed. The White Hart is a mythological creature, often associated with purity, the hunt, and unattainable goals, so there is this symbolic significance layered on top of this contemporary portraiture. It acts as an evocative emblem within different cultural contexts. There are many different interpretations for the modern viewer. Editor: Ah, unattainable goals... Sounds familiar! You know, I initially saw a bit of fairytale darkness here, something akin to a Brothers Grimm story, all cool tones and silent power. Curator: A keen observation. The cool palette contributes to that sense of reserve, even the detachment you keenly observe, yet the careful details prevent it from becoming cold. Editor: Absolutely. Ansell captures a specific, almost confrontational mood. I'm hooked on her slightly knowing look—a mix of vulnerability and steely resolve that you just can't shake off easily. It's one thing to say I have achieved it, another entirely to come face-to-face with this. Curator: Exactly, she leaves us lingering between narratives—historical context meets modern-day concerns. Quite a potent combination. Editor: A testament to how an artist can still find so much richness by going back to very established methods but twisting what it means today. Alright, Mary Jane, you've certainly made a lasting impression. Curator: Indeed, let's move along but remember, "Return of the White Hart," remains open to fresh dialogue as time passes.