A Challenge

Wendy D. Bateman

Issue XLVI- January 3, 2006

Artist's Description:

Originally, I meant the figure to be an old man, weatherworn, tired, but inhumanly tenacious.

The sky (with no land visible) indicates his directionlessness; he is swept about, just as the

clouds are, by the wind. This is the portrait of a man in a state of chronic crisis, unremitting

apathy, and utter hopelessness. His life is darkness; the sky, bright blue, cheerful, mocks him.

The accented glove and hat are particularly important because they are his shields from personal

responsibility: the gloves shield his hands, his most valuable tools for having a tangible effect on the world.

The hat shields his mind from taking in any information that would implicate him as the villain in his situation.

Why else would he wear a hat on such a lovely day?

"Challenge" -- it must be awfully hard for him to stay so ignorant. Yes, it is a very sad picture. Photoshop.

A Challenge by Wendy D. Bateman. (C) 2005, Wendy D. Bateman. All Rights Reserved.

See more of Miss Bateman's art at http://karooble.deviantart.com/.

See the  full index of Miss Bateman's works.