Full title: How Can I Help you? (Tagteam Tricksters)

Fully installed is 10 feet by about 4 feet
Inspired by the election; artist statement:


When you look at this piece you automatically feel the need to understand it—to dissect its individual components and translate them into a clearly discernible statement that you can relate to or find some form of truth in. The trouble is, when you are presented with something without any references, you are caused to question its validity or ultimately accept it as truth. This is the predicament we find ourselves in as citizens.

At any given moment, we are forced to form solid opinions on policies we don’t understand and candidates that constantly present us with contradicting arguments. What are we to believe as truth? How can we look past the hype and make conscious decisions for ourselves?

The imagery presented here stems from my frustration towards the ever-widening gap between government as its 'meant to be'—a functioning system for the people— versus what it has ultimately become—a confusing debauchery of false promises, media imagery, and advertising angles all aimed toward an uninformed, highly impressionable public eye. On a basic level, the image of a jester riding a coyote is meant to be completely absurd, bizaare, or even meaningless. However, just as in politics, it is only when you look past the superficial appearances that you can find the true meaning of the characters presented.

Historically, jesters used humor to point out shortcomings of the ruler and the conditions of the time, advising the King and allowing him to see things ‘as they really are’ without fear of punishment. Jesters are described as clever, witty, self-indulgent, critical, and flippant. They are peripheral to the game of politics, and rarely in a position to pose a power threat. In this way, the jester is the voice of the people, aiming to bring about social justice without ever trying to exploit the system. On the other hand, the jester is very much on the side of the ruler, who undoubtedly contributes to his livelihood and reputation in return for his services. This inconsistency makes the jester a highly elusive character—serving as the virtuous and upright voice of the people, while also existing as a self-promoting entertainer that depends on the endowment of the nobility. How can he be both?

The coyote is equally obscure, believed to be a shape-shifter and trickster that uses pranks and treachery to teach, giving the impression that things are not as they seem. The coyote tells us to be mindful of our actions and also reminds us that the consequences of our actions affect more than just ourselves. In this way, he denotes both folly and wisdom and the balance of the two. Despite these attributes, the coyote is nevertheless a highly intelligent, highly adaptable and opportunistic predator that survives the challenges of the world through the misfortunes or disadvantages of others.

When given both sides of an issue, it is hard to know what to believe. It is not my intention here to define either of these paradoxical characters, but rather point out the ironies that often dominate our political system and illustrate the importance of being able to think for yourself in the face of contradiction, distortion, false appearances, and popular trends.