Saturday, April 25, 2009

READER SUBMISSION: "Daddy" by O, Hotlanta, marker on let's call it whiteboard


Across America, peppy little shops in largely conservative, lily-white suburbs like to flex their worldliness by importing the handiworks from artisans in faraway lands such as Mexico or even Belize. Yes, such shops are the talk of the town. And how about that quirky owner with the ponytail? Is he gay? Or just artsy? Such shops (and quirky owners) are fascinated with Mexico’s Dia De La Muerte: a three-day festival in the lawless country devoted to honoring their dead and lighting off fireworks. Huzzah. However, this unremarkable festival is best known, and unfortunately so, for it’s whimsical arts and crafts almost always featuring a child-like skeleton. That’s all well and good until you receive a disturbing piece of work like “Daddy”. With the oversized eyes, triangular nose, and grim expression complete with scar, there’s no doubt as to the inspiration. Unless Daddy is a child skeleton, O is simply doing what all artists do: creating what they know. Perhaps Mommy is spending too much time browsing in “The End of the Earth” or “Art From All Over.” What’s next, O, pop art of a Starbucks Frappacino; a Chuck Close Target logo; a Gymboree documentary? Apparently, today is my personal day of the dead.

2 comments:

  1. I like it. Reminds me of an early Frida Kahlo....early like her toddler years.

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