A gallery outing

Helen: Come on, Sophie, spill it-why were you so set on us visiting this exhibition?
Sophie: Wandering through it yesterday, I realized right away that these paintings tell stories which really make you think. I wanted to share that experience with you.
Helen: Well, I’m always down for art that requires a bit of deep thought.
Kate: Remember our last museum trip? We couldn’t stop laughing because you spent the whole time shrugging your shoulders!
Robert: I’m with you there. If I get a hint of meaning as a bonus to some pretty pictures, I’m happy.
Fred: As long as you don’t get in-your-face messages. That stuff bores me tremendously.
Sophie: Don’t worry, the meanings aren’t obvious at all. We will definitely have to use our heads.
Conrad: Great, sounds like we’re in for a lively conversation. By the way, what does one know about the artist?
Sophie: Not much. Teaching at a senior high school was his main occupation, on the side he developed his painting skills. He is mainly interested in applying psychological insights to cultural phenomena-always taking interdisciplinary approaches. For instance, he wrote a book that uses psychoanalytic theory to interpret literary humour. His “Mental Allegories” series is situated right at the intersection of art and psychology as well.
Kate: Can someone first explain why the series is called “Mental Allegories”?
Conrad: Best to figure that out after we’ve seen the show.
Helen: Right, let’s go…