C***-A-Doodle-Boy

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on June 16, 2020 at 9:15am

Curator’s Comments:

C*** A- Doodle- Boy came up on the site for me this morning, and I enjoyed contemplating the simplicity of the portrait, which conveys s a myriad of interpretations. The stark white ground sets up visual rest for the detailed and colorful forms. I’m drawn to the textural variations in the figure’s hair and comb hat.  The boy’s downward stare allows the viewer a point of visual entry into the space, as we are not confronted by his return gaze.  The submissive posture could mean defeat, or resignation, or simply a natural relaxation in pose. Coupled with the c*** costume appendages, it’s as if the young subject is reacting to ridicule. It’s an interestingly psychological twist, as the rooster is often a symbol of pride and strength. It may be that the dominant red comb also conjures the hat of a jester, thus entering in the specter of the archetypal fool. I also reflect on your other wonderful portraits on the site for context for this piece.  They offer similarly conflicted and macabre personas.  While this drawing was your most recent posted, it is still several years old.  I do hope you consider posting new work. I imagine your productivity taking on new insights and meaning during these murky, questioning days.