Although Lofton was often known to be critical of European artists who had appropriated African forms, this work seems to be an homage to Picasso. Based on Picasso’s Girl Before a Mirror, oil on canvas, 1932, Lofton’s work abandons the complexities of Picasso’s cubist style. The artist has created a simplistic version which is influenced by his intense interest in popular Mexican art. Whereas Picasso’s interpretation of a reflection of youth and old age is significant in its mirror images, Lofton has taken another route. His brunette-haired woman sees herself as a blonde in the mirror. Perhaps he is commenting on our standard of beauty and what our ideal of perfection is based on, not Picasso’s interpretation of fading beauty due to the passage of time. The adage of “blonds have more fun” is used often in popular culture. Blonde has always been the gold standard of beauty. Perhaps Lofton is commenting on whether or not this point of view is valid.

This work includes frame and certificate of authenticity.