14” x 10” x 4.5,” Carved basswood, paint, aluminum, antique toy blocks, and pen. 2019. Loosely inspired by T.S.Eliot’s “The Hollow Men.” But it’s also inspired by anyone who is, at some fundamental level, empty. Narcissists and sociopaths immediately come to mind.
Prefabricated antique toy blocks courtesy of Jane Carr. The large toy block, which is the figure’s torso, was hand-carved for this piece by the artist. Bottom platform is 12” x 12".
The figure’s torso is a hollow, brightly painted children’s block. He is surrounded by antique toy blocks, which are his hotels, banks, post offices, high rises, etc. The figure commands and towers over his empire, his real-estate, his property. But he seems to be entirely unaware that he is standing in his underwear. His hat, set at a foolishly rakish tilt, is an oblique reference to the hats of the men—my white ancestors—who gobbled up the Eastern seaboard of the United States. But he is unrepentant. Flies crawl over him, as if he is covered in his own waste. His limbs move and are removable, and the smaller blocks may be rearranged.
The toy block that comprises the torso is hollow.
The head, together with the neck is 2.5” tall.
Each piece was carved separately, and is joined with an aluminum rod. The arms, legs, head and collar are all moveable. The antique toy blocks are loose, and can be rearranged.