Just to prove the wisdom of the old adage ‘the more things change, the more they remain the same,’ I ran across some photos from an art show I had in Seattle back in 1995.
Pan Man: The Right Icon? 1995
The show was entitled “Pan Man: the Right Icon?” and featured a group of vaguely male-looking plaster casts covered in decorative bead work. Each of the 10 figures was graced with a large penis made from a variety of found objects ranging from pieces of rusted metal to a strange looking wood-working tool. The figures were inspired by a cartoon I did during the 1994 US midterm elections when Newt Gingrich and his fellow Republicans took control of Congress.
In the cartoon, a politician speaks through his penis–perhaps the ultimate symbol of male domination–a fitting artifice since it’s my belief that the machismo expelled by men in positions of power is merely a lot of dick-waving in the air. You know, the ‘mine is bigger than yours syndrome’ that’s so prevalent these days in Washington, DC and a number of other national capitals.
Cartoon by Henry Lewis 1994.
The Pan Man series was based on the idea that the deeds done by men in positions of power are (often) inherently selfish and evil. They were meant to represent not only politicians but all men who abuse their positions of trust and power.
Pan Man’s anatomy #1. Henry Lewis 1995
Pan Man’s anatomy #2. Henry Lewis 1995
The current list of Pan Man impersonators would have to include (but is not limited to):
Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moro
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
and…drum roll here…US President Donald Trump
Life can seem so absurd at times that words fail to convey our feelings and we must resort to using visual elements to make a point. I was compelled to adopt a visual approach then and it still seems relevant.
“Pan Man revealed”-Henry Lewis 1995
“Pan Man’s reflection”-Henry Lewis 1995
As I said at the beginning, the more things change, the more they remain the same. Now, almost 24 years later, it’s up to each of us to ensure that men who abuse their power are held accountable for their deeds.
peace~henry
My quest blog 
What goes around comes around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jane,
Thanks! I too believe karma will fulfill its role in undermining those who selfishly abuse their power!
LikeLike
Interesting! Didn’t know you were an artist as well…in a former pre Tefl life. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Peta,
I’ve always been an artist at heart. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
This is a timely flashback to that cool art exhibit. The statement you were making back then is, in my opinion even more relevant today, which I think is the point of this article. It’s ironic how Trump, through his vulgar commentary about penises and through the publicity surrounding his sordid affairs, has become Pan Man. Not to draw attention away from other men who have also abused power.
I’d like to note that’s it’s not only men who do this. Any person who abuses power should be held accountable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kristy,
Of course, I also believe everyone who abuses a position of power should be held accountable. However, since the patriarchy still seems to be in firm control of things, it’s imperative that men accept responsibility and clean up their act. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
LikeLike
Bravo! Awesome post!
I’m all for women’s rights but I don’t run around in a giant vagina costume😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Bella,
Thanks. I agree that running around in a giant vagina costume would probably be just a bit over the top. Best wishes in dealing with all your personal struggles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Henry, believe it or not, I’m as tough as a two dollar steak. I can’t do much about the crazy because according to my psychiatrist when I asked him when I would just be normal….his reply?? I’m sorry Bella, that ship has already sailed😊
As far as the physical issues, I’ll tough them out like the salty personalitied hard head that I am. Your blog is awesome, I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! You might enjoy my interview with my recommendation for the GOP Presidential nominee. https://petersironwood.com/2019/10/28/exclusive-interview-with-giant-slug/
LikeLike
thanks Peter
LikeLike