LIQUIDITY ASPHYXIATION (2016) OIL AND GOLD LEAF ON PANEL 65”x 31”

Following the Greek debt crisis in 2009, I created this piece for a show that was on exhibit in 2016 titled Collapse. The show focused on the collapse of the financial system in the United States and, subsequently, Europe and bookmarked a parallel collapse of sorts in my personal life. This piece, titled Liquidity Asphyxiation gets its name from a quote made by the then Greek Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis.

The painting contains imagery related to constriction and systems of traditional rigidity. Tattoos displayed on the body of the figure reference Russian prison tattoos, designed as a silent revolt against the system. Part of the word OXI can be seen tattooed on the figure’s right arm in reference to the referendum vote in Greece wherein the people voted to leave the European Union. That vote was later disregarded by the Greek Prime Minister and Greece remained a part of the Union.

The celestial bubble gum pink background and crown of stars surrounding the head of the figure symbolize the apocalyptic woman that will inherit the earth after the judgment of Christ.

EXHIBITIONS:

2017 SACRED & PROFANE, SOLO EXHIBIT SMOKESTACK, DUBUQUE, IA

2016 COLLAPSE, SOLO EXHIBIT GALLERY C, DUBUQUE, IA

2015 SALON DES REFUSES, DUBUQUE AREA ARTS COLLECTIVE GALLERY, DUBUQUE, IA