Poster, gouache, gold dust on mountboard

57 x 78cm (22.5 x 30.7in)

 

This new reinterpretation focuses on the relationship between the USA and Great Britain and condemns the middle Eastern policies of their respective leaders, George W Bush and Tony Blair following the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers. Particularly representing the artist’s personal anti-Iraq war protest, the painting questions the justifications given by the ‘partners’ in their attempt to justify their instigation of what thousands across the globe believe to be an unjust and illegal war. Hence, symbols of deceit and crime and the poison of words are signified here by the aconite (monkshood) and convolvulus flower respectively. In addition, Bush stands on a hyena, symbol of the two-faced person and inconsistency, thus pointing to the hypocrisy of the USA’s stance in condemning the Iraqi Dictator whom they once openly supported. Outwardly presenting themselves (through their use of religious rhetoric) as forces of good out to free the world from “evil doers”, both politicians wear the trappings of the preacher. However, their outward appearance is contrasted by other details which suggest the real motifs behind their occupation of Iraq – namely, the desire to spread Imperialistic western ideals and to control Iraqi oil. Hence, an imprint of the Stars and Stripes can be seen across the geographic region on which they stand whilst oil flows from an Iraqi oil rig into a pipeline to the west – an operation which is overseen by a monkey and squirrel, both symbolising greed.  At the same time the “thieving magpie” flies away with a string of pearls which denotes wealth.

 

The theme of deception and lies - not only regarding the USA and Britain’s misrepresentation of the facts leading up to the war in Iraq, but particularly, the subsequent suppression of the truth about the extent of the suffering of innocent Iraqi civilians who are ultimately paying the price for political greed and ambition – is further expressed symbolically by the border surrounding the main image. From a distance this appears to be an attractive, arabesque-like pattern, typical of the traditional Indian or Persian miniature. However, a closer inspection of the details that make up the border reveal the gruesome realities and shameful consequences of the USA and Britain’s actions in Iraq. The illusion of beauty being created from something which is visually offensive and disturbing thus provides a metaphor for the passing of as noble and just something which is immoral and unjust.

 

Reinforcing the main themes of the work, the quotes left and right of Bush and Blair read:

 

“I will not allow this little dictator to control 85 percent of the civilised worlds oil”

 

(George Bush about Sadam Hussain, New York Times March 29th 2003)

 

 

and,

 

 

“The children seem to be the most openly enthused.  They are getting a chance at a future the likes of which would never have been possible under the oppressive regime…”

 

(US Marine 2003)”

 

copyright the artists