swa pd02 Peter Driben

The artwork presents a stylized female figure engaged in what appears to be a playful rodeo activity. The woman is positioned astride a wooden rocking horse, rendered in a simplified, almost geometric fashion with a green body and a rudimentary head. She wears an unconventional outfit: a fringed top revealing her torso, patterned stockings, and white cowboy boots. A black hat obscures part of her face, but a wide smile suggests amusement or confidence. In one hand she holds a lasso, which is extended in a circular motion, while the other rests on her hip.
The background is a solid, deep blue, which serves to isolate the figure and intensify the vibrancy of her attire. The lighting emphasizes her form, creating highlights on her skin and clothing that contribute to an overall sense of glamour and allure.
Several subtexts emerge from this composition. The juxtaposition of traditionally masculine imagery – the cowboy hat, lasso, and rocking horse – with a decidedly feminine figure creates a deliberate tension. This suggests a playful commentary on gender roles and expectations. The woman’s confident posture and smile challenge conventional notions of femininity, presenting her as an active participant rather than a passive object.
The use of exaggerated features and the idealized depiction of the female form align with aesthetic conventions associated with popular culture and advertising from a specific historical period. The image seems to celebrate a particular type of feminine charm – one that is both alluring and assertive. The overall effect is one of lightheartedness, but also hints at a subtle subversion of societal norms through playful visual cues.