Vivian’s work delves into the whimsical realm of using Basset Hounds to replace subjects in historical European portraits. She engages in a playful critique of the pretensions often associated with the art world. By placing these dogs in ornate, traditional settings, she questions why only certain subjects are considered “high art.”

The adoption of the European portraiture style, often revered for its aristocratic representations, allows her to subvert the notions of highbrow exclusivity and blurs the lines between high and low art. The combination of noble poses and loveable dogs encourages viewers to rethink what subjects are deemed worthy of art.

Additionally, Vivian’s work addresses the contemporary issues of art commercialisation and the rise of AI in creative fields. She prompts us to think about which art subjects are deemed fit for human artists versus AI. While AI can easily replicate and produce similar work in a day, does knowing a human artist invested time and effort change the art’s value or meaning? What tasks are seen as uniquely human, and which can AI handle? Her work reflects on the potential risks of AI overshadowing human creativity and queries whether human touch and originality are necessary components in art.

Through her blend of classical style and playful irreverence, Vivian challenges artistic elitism and invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of art. She encourages dialogue on how commercialisation and AI impact creative expression and the distinction between human-made and machine-made art.