Wallace's work can be read as allegories, and works such as Exemplar operate on metaphor and symbolism as much as the evocative space captured on canvas. Drawing heavily upon art history, literature and mythology, this ritualistic drama that unfolds on the canvas is a sort of morality tale on femininity. The central figure, pregnant, is put forward as the exemplar of femininity, what all young girls should aspire to. Behind the exemplar of femininity are figures who support, nurture and care — nurses, nuns.

Subverting this ideal are three smaller figures, backs turned looking towards the looming exemplar while hiding behind their backs the accoutrements of play: an airplane, a sling shot and books — signs of rebellion offering alternate paths than the one presented in front of them.
(Source: Anne Wallace: Strange Ways exhibition)

A painting of a melancholy scene, figures all appear to be women. One woman is raised above the others, and appears pregnant; she is circled by three younger women each holding a different object behind their backs (a stack of books, a model aeroplane and a slingshot respectively). In the background there is a line of women, each appearing to be from traditionally female dominated industries (eg.nursing).

No figures have discernible facial features, the palette is monochromatic and the style is realism.