Man Misses His Chance
Home Image List Previous Next
Commentary
This image addresses a
fundamental problem in modern American life – the opium of television. This is
the most political image AK has produced so far, and it raises more issues than
this commentary can address. American man has become completely dependent upon
his connection to television. As AK points out here, the relationship is not
rewarding, or even pleasant. The man is angry, not only for what TV is showing
him, but because he is subconsciously aware of the soul-numbing affects of his
TV addiction. Herein lies the meaning of the title, for man is missing his
chance for his soul to be touched by the divine, all for the idiot box. AK
nicely mirrors the gesture of the Divine Finger
with the position of the man’s arm as he points the remote control. As man
tries to control this world with technology, and in effect (as this image
shows) play God, he grows more detached from his place in the world, and the
real need for spirituality in life. There is also some interesting resonance
between the feeble glow coming off the TV, and the powerful lightening that accompanies
the Divine Finger – this reinforces the connection between God and Man’s creative
act, and the great disparity in power between the two. There is also the issue of
modern man being too busy and preoccupied to take advantage of any
opportunities that may come up by chance, represented here by the “Greatest Possible”
opportunity of touching the divine. As I said, there is more going on here than we have time for. As for further images, these issues make me
think of the Sistine Chapel, especially the panel where god separates light
from darkness, but that’s probably just me. While you’re at it, just check out the whole chapel,
and you’ll see some great images
celebrating man’s spirituality.
Return to Top of Page
Image and title "Man Misses His Chance" copyright 2000 by the artist