A Case of Commoner Salt

Oil on canvas 122 x 91cm SOLD

This speaks to the growing protests around the world against entrenched power and privilege enjoyed by the few. Paintings hung in hallowed halls are pulled to the ground by a common man who rails against the decadence that excess wealth affords them. Salt, a currency once mined in unbearable conditions has been replaced by moneybags. Equally sordid working conditions exist today, his becoming barefoot shows this growing poverty of both wealth and tolerance. The waving of flags, an impotent symbol of protest won't change a law, but the turnout of thousands on the street just might, and so he marches. He has toppled a suited man, a symbol of modern excessive consumption. The protesting man moves towards the removing of another figure of power. In referencing a well known portrait of George Washington, who surveys the current scene.