Lifebuoy, 2019
Bronze Sculpture
This monumentalized lifebuoy seeks to question rescue or aid extended at “Arms length”
A conversation with a Veteran “aid worker” who seemed to have this very strong sense of self-importance but also belief that being in the middle of catastrophes rendering aid gives complete meaning to his whole existence made me question the very logic of aid; who really benefits from aid? Is it like those quick fixes by a drag addict whom keeps coming back for more becoming solely dependent? In the case of the Aid worker, on the continued misfortune of others so his life could still be meaningful?
The Lifebuoy is thrown out on a leash, it is logical, and it’s the only way you will successfully bring somebody in. I suppose the same logic could b applied to aid, isn’t it given on a leash that creates a cycle of total dependence? Where one keeps coming for more but also on the part of the aid worker who keeps feeling a sense of worth…