"Initiation" by contemporary artist Jackie Harris is a darkly surreal acrylic painting that transforms a nostalgic snapshot into a haunting visual narrative. Measuring 20 inches by 20 inches, this one-of-a-kind work reimagines a real late 1970s/early 1980s Polaroid of Girl Scouts mid-ceremony, filtering it through Harris’s signature blend of realism, symbolism, and the uncanny.
Three figures stand at the heart of the scene — not quite human, almost alien in their features — caught in the act of a mysterious initiation. They hold up an almost-American flag, its presence both familiar and unsettling, as if from a parallel reality. The background is cloaked in deep blacks and rich midnight blues, giving the composition an atmospheric depth that feels both intimate and infinite. In the upper left corner, an all-seeing eye embedded in a clock face gazes outward, its presence suggesting themes of time, watchfulness, and hidden truths.
Harris’s brushwork combines meticulous detail with expressive, layered textures, creating a visual tension between the innocence of youth and the ominous overtones of ritual. The piece invites viewers to question the nature of belonging, conformity, and the traditions we inherit — asking, perhaps, what we sacrifice in exchange for acceptance.
Painted with professional-grade acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas, Initiation is ready to hang, with painted edges for a clean, modern presentation. It is an ideal acquisition for collectors of contemporary surrealism, those drawn to narrative-driven art, and anyone seeking a striking conversation piece that challenges perception.
At $400, this work offers an accessible entry point into Harris’s growing portfolio while delivering the depth, craftsmanship, and originality that make her pieces enduring investments. Whether displayed in a home, gallery, or curated office space, Initiation commands attention and rewards repeated viewing.
Own a piece of art that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined — where a moment from the past becomes a timeless, thought-provoking story on canvas.
