Rachel Hecker builds on themes of power, nature, and technology in Tailgate of 1991. Departing from an interest in pop imagery, Hecker incorporates a variety of styles and techniques including surrealist lines and cartoon-like imagery. At the same time, the crisp, clean surface of Tailgate establish a subtle narrative between artist and viewer. The artist has stated of this work: “This painting comes out of a narrative tradition, but it tells several stories simultaneously.” For instance, the coin and fist featured to the left represent her concern with power, but the coin can also represent worth or liberty. The galaxy and starling featured to the right represent nature, but where the galaxy shows the vastness of nature, the starling shows the frailty of nature and people. The LED time display that lays over the fist and computer keyboard key the lays over the galaxy represent technology. The computer key might also imply that even that which is infinite is controlled by people’s greed. The standalone elements and their interaction create a unique narrative for the viewer to ultimately discover on their own. Hecker received her BFA in sculpture from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and her MFA in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design. Hecker initially came to Houston in 1982 to teach at the MFAH’s Glassell School of Art but she is now Associate Professor of Painting at the School of Art of the University of Houston.