Rumble in the jungle 2004

By gathering 19 iconic personalities within one space, I hope to create an environment in which the viewer simultaneously experiences familiarity and intimidation. Each painting is recognizable as a well-acquainted identity that, on the one hand, sets the viewer at ease. However because of the icons’ specified status, popularity and prominence, as well as their collective gathering on this show, the viewer might at the same time feel overwhelmed or threatened. Selected icons have been given satirical titles and symbolic reference that in some cases suggest a 'tongue in cheek' intimation or suggestion. These subtle hints that have been intentionally orchestrated may be taken up as either amusing or offensive.

Since the icon is ideologically formed as a product of the society in which it exists, it is nothing without that social content and relation. The icon is, in other words, unimportant without the people who define and sustain it. This body of work highlights this notion and therefore aims at empowering the viewer/audience as the creator and life-giver’ of these selected, painted and displayed icons. Assembling icons from all over the world and from different spheres of life, whether it be religion, politics, at or myth within one room, aims at setting everyone at the same level of importance, value and worth. Barbie for example, is therefore assigned the same status and power as that of the President of the United States of America. What’s more, because these icons are all gathered and exhibited in the context of the art gallery, the viewer and the painted portrait also share a similar rank or position and so the play of power, popularity, identity and definition is established.