In Social Pretension, a group of figures stands around a table, their faces concealed by masks that serve as metaphors for the social roles some play to project an image of importance or superiority. The figures, though outwardly assuming positions of power, are hiding their true identities behind these exaggerated, dehumanized facades. The masks create a sense of disconnect between the individuals and their actions, suggesting that the social roles they occupy are not authentic but are carefully constructed to gain approval or influence.

On the table in front of them sits a house, emanating smoke, as if burning from within. The house, a symbol of home or stability, is distorted by the smoke, indicating the destructive nature of the pretentious behavior these figures embody. The smoke could represent the fallout of their false sense of importance—how their desire for social validation leads to the decay or collapse of the very structures they pretend to protect or build. The figures’ deliberate, seemingly important gestures toward the house reinforce the theme that, despite their posturing, the true consequences of their actions are destructive and hollow.