Noteworthy:
Natalia Juncadella
Juror’s Pick p92
Mellow sunlight cascades through the window, illuminating the brightly colored fruit, delicately patterned dishes, and checkered tablecloth, while the flora outside casts curving shadows that subtly alludes to the world beyond this quiet and insular moment. This is the alluring scene set by Natalia Juncadella in La Merienda, one of several charming oil on canvas still lifes by the artist. Characterized by a harmonious use of color and light, Juncadella creates understated portraits of fleeting moments of pause that nourish the viewer with a sweet slice of life. n
Emma Steinkraus
Editor’s Pick p174
Steinkraus’s paintings are unsettling—in a good way. Her subjects— which gaze aggressively at the viewer—are somehow familiar, yet alien. Their familiarity comes from Steinkraus’s ability to reference art historical sources in subtle, but potent ways. There are a lot of things being addressed in these paintings, from environmental exploitation to the patriarchal nature of art history. For me, Steinkraus’s subjects seem like avenging angels who defiantly challenge the viewer to reconsider their belief systems and, in particular, question the myriad and often overlooked roles that women have played throughout history. n
