F14 Reflections Beryl Cook

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a café or restaurant setting, rendered with a distinct and stylized aesthetic. Three figures dominate the visual field, arranged in a mirrored configuration across the canvas. They are seated at a table, each holding a small plate and a cup, seemingly engaged in a leisurely meal or tea time.
The artist has chosen to depict these individuals with exaggerated features – notably their substantial physiques and carefully applied makeup. The women’s hair is styled in elaborate, tightly curled arrangements, framing faces characterized by bright red lipstick and pronounced eye shadow. This emphasis on cosmetic detail suggests an interest in exploring themes of beauty standards, perhaps through a satirical lens.
The repetition of the figures creates a sense of unsettling familiarity and artificiality. They are not presented as unique individuals but rather as variations on a theme, contributing to a feeling of detachment and potential commentary on societal norms or mass production. The mirrored arrangement also introduces an element of visual doubling, which could be interpreted as representing duality, identity, or the fragmented nature of self-perception.
The background is structured by a series of latticework panels, creating a sense of enclosure while simultaneously suggesting depth. A yellow bag bearing text in Spanish (BANANERA El Guanche TENERIFE) rests on the table, introducing a specific cultural reference and potentially hinting at themes of travel or exoticism. The presence of this detail adds another layer to the works complexity, inviting consideration of its geographical and cultural context.
The overall effect is one of deliberate artifice and stylized representation. The artist seems less concerned with realistic depiction than with exploring ideas related to identity, beauty, repetition, and perhaps a critique of consumer culture or societal expectations surrounding femininity. The painting’s peculiar charm lies in the unsettling juxtaposition of familiar elements – café setting, women enjoying refreshments – with an unconventional and somewhat disquieting visual style.