Man Eating Chicken
Man Eating Chicken Painting; Hot Springs Arkansas
I was commissioned by a Baron — the only one I’ve yet to meet — to paint a full sized freak show banner, making this the first and only time such a unique opportunity has ever come my way. Shit like this doesn’t happen to me enough. Given such unlikely circumstance, this piece has become one of my favourite commissions of all times.
Freak show posters and banners used to be an integral part of the circus and sideshow culture. These images are known for their vibrant, eye-catching designs and absurdly sensational language.
This painting is no different, featuring the fear paralyzing prospect of getting to witness “A Man Eating Chicken”.
The title is enough to strike terror into the heart of any mortal man, in contemplation of how easily the tables of fate may turn on us. Finger licking good times.
Circus banners often featured exaggerated illustrations of the performers or oddities on display, highlighting unique or unusual attributes. The language was attention-grabbing, drawing in crowds on the promise of seeing the “unbelievable,” “strange,” or “monstrous.”
MAN EATING CHICKEN
Punctuation is everything, or at least in this case.
As the curtain of this show is dramatically drawn back, what is revealed is not a “man-eating chicken”, but instead, a “man eating” a bucket of greasy hot fried chicken.
Did you get your money’s worth?
In the bigger picture, this is a cautionary tale and a valuable life lesson, warning the audience to beware / be aware of subtle yet vastly important ambiguities in language, especially when you’ve got more than a dollar and a handshake across the table at stake.
DOUBLESPEAK
Ambiguous language often manipulates or deceives others in everyday life. This is true of advertising, politics, or personal interactions.
Being able to critically analyze information and better understand the true meaning behind the words is crucial. This is particularly evident in political doublespeak, highlighting our need to be in constant practice of intellectual self defence.
‘LEADERSHIP CLASS’
Our ‘leadership’ class specializes in ambiguity, employed to obscure truth, avoid accountability, and/or manipulate public opinion.
Doublespeak, such as euphemisms, vague statements, or contradictory messages, can take many various forms. It’s use not only masks the true intentions or consequences of policies or actions, but also serves to manipulate or deceive in return for ill-gotten financial gain.
Take for one tiny example the American government’s relatively recent use of the term “enhanced interrogation techniques”, in place of torture. Good times.
Needless to say, doublespeak erodes public trust in government, making it difficult for those of mankind to hold their leaders accountable.
THINK TWICE
Next time, when presented with a deal too good, or too bizarre to be true, or a little too like slavery, think twice before handing over some of your hard-earned cash.
Amazing what one might learn from the freaks in the colourful and chaotic circus we call life, even if we’re first getting the wool pulled over eyes plus a heavy ever-hungry hand perpetually in our pocket .
HOT SPRINGS
This piece was painted over a quick couple of days in Hot Springs. The man who commissioned it has an incredible collection of circus oddities from around the world. I’ve included some photos from his warehouse space, which alone is enough to blow the mind. He’s by far one of the most graceful and kind of the true gentlemen I’ve met in this world.
Hot Springs Arkansas, home to Miracle Flower, is a town that i cannot say enough about. It never ceases to amaze.
