As I sit nested in the Swiss Alps, preparing for my exhibition TOTENTANZ, I recall the encounter that proved to be the catalyst for my efforts.
James “Yaya” Hough invited me into a mental space that one rarely has the possibility to visit. For many of us the criminal world is quite foreign, not to speak of the carceral system, of which we only once in a while get a glimpse.
On the strength of the 30 drawings presented here, I met with Ralph Jentsch, managing director of the Estate of George Grosz, and invited him to ponder upon the relationship between two American artists, who not that far apart in time, are knit by their respective importance as acutely perspicacious commentators of their times. They tackle analogous topics, which are all the more pertinent because many issues approached by the one remain unresolved -still, when encountered by the other.
I offer you here the result of a delightful exercise, where intellect and spirituality are met with outstanding draughtsmanship.
Akim Monet
Sept. 2022
