2018. Drypoint 10.5 x 14.5 cm. From Assignment 4 Abstract Self Portraits. Life in Red White Black 1 2018. Concept: This small image on cheap newsprint combines two objects that have historical and political resonance for me. The large image is of a West African wooden statue that I bought in Cameroon. A broodingly powerful ‘Savage God’ – but one I do not know precise origin or meaning of. The second small drawing at the bottom is one of four Nicaraguan tourist ceramics of the Mayan ‘Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil’. I bought these when I was doing research in Nicaragua in 1988 just before the Sandinistas lost the election the first time – a period of civil war, extreme violence, hyperinflation and chaos caused largely by the US trade embargo. The angry combined image represents the power of blind belief and fear of the unknown manipulated by leaders world-wide to trample human rights. The small border and mounting on cardboard makes the small ‘cheap’ image look larger – an attempt to ‘stand proud’ in the world – like the other images in the series.
Technical details: Collaged drypoints printed from thick acetate plate in Hawthorne oil-based inks on newsprint.