Social Subterfuge

With this painting I am looking into the notion of how people can use objects to sustain and attain recognition thus trying to gain or maintain stability within an exceptionally highly pressurised career situation. The precarious nature of the trapeze artist is an illustration of the fine line in which the individual is treading during day-to-day life. In a dog eats dog world the acquisition and display of an object steeped in history and class could offer important keys to important doors.  Ultimately in this painting I have used the piano as an example to indicate how people can use inanimate objects to often aspire towards grandiose ideals.  The thread that runs through this painting is one of a knife-edge using the totems and text to establish the fact that this is quite possibly a mere strategy to win friends and influence people.

Social Subterfuge Acrylic on Canvas 60cm x 80cm