The Game

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

This piece may seem simple at first glance, and though you can take whatever meaning you please from it, the intention is a bit darker. The young boy is holding a silver spoon, presumably one he was born with. He represents the wealthy, mainly those who never give back or participate in charitable endeavors, and irresponsible corporations acting in the pursuit of greed over all else. (I realize this is not the norm and that the wealthy do charitable work, make donations, and contribute to society in many other ways in which those less fortunate cannot.)

The statue represents the poor trying to get ahead, but are failing to do so for whatever reasons. Generally, if we try hard enough, we can overcome difficulties until there are too many circumstance piled up. The figure is half clothed and headless, with signs of some kind of burnout, perhaps from extreme stress. The boy is playing a game with the figure; a frivolous game that does not help, and perhaps makes matters worse. You know the type. The pattern above the boy’s head signifies a pattern of thought and of behavior. The broken light fixture symbolizes lack of light, perhaps even in a more literal sense. Has the power been shut off? The grunge around the edges is a mild suggestion of living in squalor: peeling paint, old wallpaper, lack of upkeep, and general grunge. Wildlife are not left out of this scenario. Bird populations are falling, almost as if on a conveyor belt of demise, being sucked right out of this world. Dark themes can be disturbing, but sometimes it’s necessary in order to wake up and think.

The Game appeared in Spotlight #26, the November-December 2021 issue, published by Circle Foundation for the Arts.

The Game also appeared in the November 2021 issue of Living the Photo Artistic Life.