OLD NARCISSUS (Pedophile), 2002
This piece was commissioned and subsequently shown in an exhibit: OBJECTS OF DESIRE at the David Adamson Gallery, Washington D.C., Spring, 2000 Using a vernacular structure alluding to both a sea chest and a trap, I have sought to describe the incidence of incest in small maritime Canadian communities I have known. As with all such affected areas that share this condition of relatedness / control, the tandem aura of shame and secrecy pervades the landscape.
The text is a list of names of all the “little boys” and “little
girls” I believe have been sexually abused. Those names
encircled identify those individuals whom I am certain have
been abused. The ages of these individuals range now
between 7 and 75. This piece could never be shown in any
proximity to its source without producing untold consequences
for those listed as well as myself. I know these people. I know
most of their predators as well.
OLD NARCISSUS
(Pedophile),
2002
found wood, Styrofoam, text.
35” x 37” x 5
Private collection
