Culling the Defective Units
Robert Winter, 2008 

Acrylic on  Stretched Canvas
24" x 36"

Giclee Print:   $600
On Sheet Canvas, Unframed

Framed Original:  Not currently for sale

 

 

 

 

 

Artist's Notes

This painting is a kind of allegory of  contemporary life.  It depicts a place where people originate, and are processed according to their types.

For a certain type of docile personality that doesn't ask much, what's offered is a clear, direct route to a kind of shopper's heaven.

Other types of personalities, more difficult to assimiliate, are shunted off to a darker and harsher place.

The essence of these more difficult natures correlates closely with testosterone--which can express itself in the raw menace of the street gang member, the adulation-inspiring feats of the football hero, or the quieter, steadier courage of the modern-day warrior. 

Acts of heroic stature are, of course, by no means the sole province of the athlete.  Genuine heroism is far more likely to be shown by the soldier, and even the gang member can be a hero, within the narrow confines of his turf and set.

Now look again at the bland, ingratiating faces of those on the upper track.   Do any of these appear to be capable of heroism?

As for those on the lower track, do they seem likely to find much real satisfaction in a shopper's paradise?

In the end, which "units" are truly the defective or incomplete ones--and who (or what) is really being culled? 

© COPYRIGHT 2008 ROBERT WINTER.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.