Punching Bag, Rope, Asphalt, Archival Inkjet Print, Steel, Rubber, French Ultramarine Blue Chalk
HELL’S COMING WITH ME
“The fervent clamor of the people demands upheaval, igniting within me a fervent yearning for retribution against the shadows of my history's darkest deeds. Yet, I recognize that such righteous indignation must be tempered with patience, for violence untempered is but a reckless folly. I must hone this righteous fury, refining it through diligent practice and contemplation. Only then can the righteousness of my deeds stand in stark relief against the shadows of my past transgressions. Should fate decree the worst, I shall not falter, for even in defeat, I shall drag the specter of evil down to the abyss with me, where perhaps we both belong.”
Rubber, Acrylic, Asphalt, Silver Halide Print, Boxing Gloves, Cadmium Red Chalk, Forged Celebrity Signature
A MAN NAMED BANDIT
“I scornfully acknowledge the ignoble comparisons drawn between myself and mere celebrities. Though I emerge from the ranks of the people and advocate for their cause, I have also forged a destiny for myself, towering above the common lot. Is it for naught that I, a scion of Corsican soil, dare to immortalize my own name? Shall I shrink from the acclaim rightfully earned by a self-made man of my stature? My name, Bonaparte, emblazoned upon a Hollywood star, stands as a testament to my indomitable spirit and unparalleled achievements. If, in the eyes of some, I am reduced to the likeness of a pugilist, then let it be so. But know this: my memory shall transcend the confines of ordinary representation, delving deep into the annals of material history to capture the very essence of my being, resonating throughout the tapestry of culture for eternity.”
Photo Documents from performance in Rubber Frames with 2 Ruined Brushes, a Bowtie, and Cadmium Red Chalk
THE PREACHER AND THE BEAR
“I have commissioned caricatures that depict contrasting personas: one, a hapless coward adorned with a ludicrous costume, and the other, a formidable figure exuding power and devilish charm, poised for conflict. These representations, in both their physical and verbal manifestations, serve as vivid annotations of their respective characters. In my steadfast belief that sovereignty resides with the people, I offer these caricatures as symbols open to interpretation. The populace may assign my description of greatness to either, as they see fit. I harbor no apprehension regarding the resulting judgment. Had fortune favored my endeavors, I would have departed this fight adorned with the mantle of the greatest among men. Alas, though fate has dealt me a different hand, I shall still be remembered as a remarkable individual, and above all, a martyr to my cause.”
“In the sacred verses of our Lord's teachings, I find resonance with the prophecy: "Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children." These words stir within me a profound reflection on my own role as both savior of my people and conqueror of nations, juxtaposed against the divine decree. Indeed, the theatrics of antiquity offer fertile ground for contemplation. Why not, then, craft a tragedy that delves into the tumultuous transition from primal to more refined man? Picture the arc: a tyrant's reign supplanted by the emergence of a national savior, a narrative woven with the threads of divine providence and mortal ambition. Such a drama would not only entertain but also provoke introspection on the nature of power, redemption, and the human condition.”
Rubber, Asphalt, Boxing Glove, Cigarette Case, Silver Halide Print, Cadmium Red Grease, Graphite