Madame Sublime 2014

Curator: Ah, “Madame Sublime” by Carlos Sablón, painted in 2014. It's a compelling oil portrait. Editor: It's mesmerizing. Melancholic, yet… playful? That headdress is immense! And those goldfish, suspended in the dark expanse – are we underwater? Curator: Indeed. The title, “Madame Sublime,” suggests an elevated state, perhaps a dreamy remove from everyday existence. The portrait blends hyperrealism with elements of fantasy art and a hint of surrealism. What draws you particularly? Editor: Well, looking at the labor involved is interesting. Beyond the impeccable technique, all those delicate brushstrokes layered to render that headdress--it’s less fabric, more a sculpture of painted light and texture. The artist pushes oil paint way beyond representation. I also appreciate how Sablón creates this theatrical figure out of seemingly opposing art styles – the Renaissance blended with Neo-Expressionist. Is she emerging or dissolving? Curator: I feel it's like she has an echo, it could easily be a fever dream or perhaps the remnants of the Dutch Golden age! Sablón often threads his compositions with literary references and art historical allusions; maybe a reimagining of historical portraiture for the contemporary gaze? A reclamation of sublime femininity. What do you make of her downward glance, her averted gaze? Editor: The downward gaze definitely carries the Baroque vibe that pervades. But there is that feeling of unease and almost like shame to the subject's expression. She also brings the feeling of having agency but not acting. A very bizarre and unexpected characterisation to say the least. Curator: Beautifully said. Sablón masterfully employs his materials and creates his world. There’s a lot of labor in evoking all those textures that create visual dissonance and give us those moments of visual contemplation that seem like they were pulled directly from dreams! Editor: True, his skill in blending artifice with naturalism asks, “what materials and labor are concealed in creating any representation of elevated status or taste?" Curator: It gives you something to wonder for a long time to come for sure. Thank you so much! Editor: Indeed. This piece prompts reflection not just on what we see, but on how it was made and what cultural narratives the materials support. Pleasure to be here today.