Artist's Portfolio

Bronze Figures
"IMPERIOSIS" and "THE AWAKENING OF REASON"

Bronze
1985-1988

"Imperiosis: He Who Desires is Prepared" is intended to be an indictment of the political systems which have fostered war through the centuries. The figure represents imperialism: a monster which possesses the powerful individuals who lead men into conflict. As long as they live, he does. Fear an sorrow hide in his eyes, which are fixed on his power, and blind to the carnage which supports him. His subtitle is a reference to an ancient Roman foriegn policy statement: "He who desires peace should prepare for war." *
His base presents an historical cycle beginning in the ancient Middle East and spiraling through time and space to Vietnam and Afganistan. Only armies pressed to enforce unjust expansionist policies are represented.

"The Awakening of Reason" is an allegory of hope for the future of man. She pleads with Imperiosis to surrender his power. She represents the numinous, thoughtful side of man's psyche. She shelters the seven virtues: who are shown as children, in the process of development.
Her base is the antithesis of that of Imperiosis, showing man's constructive achievements in the form of literature, presented with the same chronological progression.
Her title refers to Goya's "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters".** Presumably her awakening may dispel them. This is her relationship to Imperiosis.

    Daryl Smith

  • *Vegetius 1st Cent. AD
  • **"Los Caprichios" 1799