Survival of the Fittest (2004):

Most of the imagery in this series has an old-time carnival or circus theme. The individual pieces address many issues, spanning from my personal history to universal human relations; but a main theme that recurs in nearly each work is a critique of economic structures and class hierarchies.

Much of the imagery is derived from 18th and 19th century commercial engravings that I have scanned and digitally montaged into the work. These antique images lend the work a superficially light and frivolous appearance, which is quickly dissolved by the symbolic meanings I have assigned them. In their new context, the engravings are combined to suggest the cruelty and exploitation that result when individuals and institutions use Social Darwinism to justify their means.

One such work is titled A Sense of Entitlement. Here, an overfed man sits down to devour an enormous meal. Hovering before a lavishly decorated backdrop, we see his egotistical fantasy: He clearly believes himself to be the lion, who by way of natural law, devours that which is weaker and less entitled than he.

Another work, titled Against Their Nature, shows two forlorn wolves, ridiculously balanced on the arms of a Victorian era circus performer. Appearing sadly out of place, they are further humiliated as they are forced to vomit forth the ornamental acanthus leaves, which provide certain delight for their audience. It is my intention to draw parallels between the get-rich-at whatever-cost policies of the 21st century free-trade economy and the corrupt Robber Barron practices of the 19th century. Despite two centuries of social reform, we remain sadly rooted in a society that protects the privileged few at the expense of the masses. The antique imagery serves as a metaphor for all individuals and entities that recklessly exploit resources as though it is a given right to do so.