WMS The Wonder Shoes 01 Fiona Moodie

The composition presents a narrative introduction framed within a decorative border of deep red and black. The text dominates the visual field, arranged in two distinct blocks separated by a visual break featuring an illustration.
Here we see a young figure, presumably female given the hairstyle, positioned centrally within the illustrative element. She is depicted with wide-eyed wonder, gazing upwards towards floating objects – spheres of varying colors including red, yellow, blue and orange. The child wears a pointed hat adorned with what appears to be a tassel or pompom, and her posture suggests excitement and anticipation. A small dog stands faithfully at her side, mirroring her upward gaze.
The illustrative style is characterized by simplified forms and bold outlines, indicative of a children’s book aesthetic. The color palette is vibrant and playful, contributing to the overall sense of enchantment.
The text accompanying the illustration establishes a context of arrival and longing. It speaks of a circuss presence in town, introducing a beautiful dancer distinguished by “bright red dancing shoes.” A young girl named Emma, recently relocated and experiencing loneliness, finds herself captivated by this spectacle. The narrative then shifts to her aspirations – a desire to emulate the dancer and, crucially, to possess a pair of those magical shoes.
The inclusion of a smaller inset image at the bottom of the text block further reinforces the significance of the dancing shoes. Here they are presented as objects of intense desirability, nestled amongst foliage and berries, suggesting a hidden treasure or a reward for perseverance.
Subtly, the work explores themes of escapism, aspiration, and the transformative power of imagination. The circus serves as a symbol of possibility and wonder, while the dancing shoes represent not merely footwear but a conduit to achieving one’s dreams. The childs loneliness underscores the human need for connection and belonging, which she hopes to find through participation in this fantastical world.