Rose McMurray's paintings address the issue of gender roles which are embedded within society; the premise that a male must be muscular and courageous to be admired and the female must appear modest and beautiful.  She is seen passively awaiting adoration while the male is strong and exuding power. McMurray counters this by creating a juxtaposition in which the female embraces this dominant and unreserved nature whilst the male becomes vulnerable and submissive.  

This role-reversal is established through the use of body language as seen in classical depictions of the nude; the poses taken being intended to either show strength or subservience.