Painted steel, flags, fan, 270cm x 290cm, 2020

 In these dire and controversial times I decided it was important for me to give voice to what I think is a very important issue. “All Aboard” addresses the current dynamic of populist right wing political ideologies and dogmas prevalent in Western Europe and the United States. Both composition and context found inspiration in Théodore Géricault’s iconic 1818 work "The Raft Of The Medusa."

In 1816 the French frigate Medusa ran aground 100km from the coast of Africa, largely due to the incompetence of Captain Chaumareys, an unqualified political appointee. The wealthy and political elite of the shipwreck were put on lifeboats, the remaining passengers and crew where placed on a hastily constructed raft which partially submerged once loaded.

The lifeboats quickly abandoned the passengers on the raft. Many died in the fighting which erupted and were forced to resort to cannibalism when the rations ran out. Of the 147 who boarded, 15 survived.

“All Aboard” uses the Medusa as a metaphor to describe how reckless, irresponsible and incapable leaders threaten and often destroy the lives of those that they should protect and serve.

The work is currently being exhibited at @kronos_festival through the 18th of October 2020 with a great group of artists, Arts Santa Monica on the Rambla in Barcelona, Spain. Arts Santa Monica is a fantastic resource for the local arts community and a great place to exhibit and a big shout to @damianpissarra and his crew for organizing and producing the event. Super happy to have @elizabeth.bigger making flags again as well. #vote #MAGA #elections2020 #Trump #BidenHarris2020

The artist and his muses