This painting is a part of a larger still life series by Hornedo titled, Still Alive, in which the artist seeks to give ordinary objects a new instance without enlisting a specific narrative. The three bowls within the foreground remain recognizable, however, they are contrasted by three unfamiliar plaster forms behind them. A large portion of the negative space is saturated by the deep red of the back-right corner, while the music notes found upon the blue bowl creates a pause and calls for contemplation. The playful use of color accompanied by the composition of the objects intrigues viewers to investigate and refamiliarize themselves with the ordinary.
Hornedo revitalizes the nature of the still life genre by depicting such common objects with such grandeur. In Hornedo's own words, “I reclaim and reprogram the strange stillness of the every day”. By presenting these objects on such a large scale, Hornedo provides a new perspective on the nature of consumerism and the relationship consumers have with the objects they have made space for in their lives.
Written by Cori Schaffer, 2025