Cain and Abel

2005

oil on canvas

40" X 30"

This was the first painting created in this series. It is a painting with many layers of meaning. The babies each wear American symbols. On one level this represents the idea that at the end of the Cold War, Americans had no common enemy. Of course this has changed with the current climate, but before 9/11 and after the Cold War ended Many social issues, such as racial problems began to reemerge with a passion. In other words; without a common enemy, America turned on itself. On another level America, politically, has a two party system. Many, including myself, believe we actually have a one party system as both the Democratic and Republican parties are working for Corporate America, not the American public. This is clearly seen when our elected officials argue with each other like children in a sandbox. Democrats cutting Republicans, Republicans cutting Democrats. Never solving any of our Country's problems and all a distraction to avoid compromising the filling of their pockets. The last level has to do with the theory that violence and over-sexed behavior among our youth is a direct result of the television. Many people would blame the parents and that would apply in many cases. However, with the rising cost of living out-running the rate of pay, many parents are unable to be affective. So, burned out from the pace, they sit their babies in front of the TV. It doesn't take a high IQ to realize the subliminal effects. The sex, the violence, and the shortening of the attention span.

What does this have to do with the Biblical story? The story symbolizes among other things: sibling rivalry, displaced anger and the consequence, and denial of responsibility for ones actions.