The Rat Race“The Rat Race” is about the marathon of life, symbolized by the corporate marathon. There are many stories within this artwork, including as you look at the runners: the worried working Mom; the older woman (bottom right corner, intentionally easy to miss) trying to keep pace but stay out of the fray until retirement; one executive tripping while another executive (the leading executive in the race) reaches back and grabs the tripped runner’s briefcase (symbolic for the spoils of corporate ladder warfare); a marathon runner whose number ends in 666 is smugly watchful of the leading runner’s efforts, ostensibly guiding the leading marathon runner; the two executives who run side by side and protect each other in the race (but experience tells us sooner or later one will kill the other off in his quest to be first); and note the only executive NOT wearing a marathon number, symbolizing that she is wealthy enough to not have to work. In the stadium, the audience also tells many stories – the pensive little girl holding a sign ‘Run, Mom, Run” as her worried mother below runs by; note also the only figure to be leaning back in the stadium – a man sitting with his arms above his head leaning back in relaxation – symbolizing an investor watching his hedged investments (he will win either way); the lovers (upper right corner) outside the fray, oblivious and above it all, because they are in love; etc. My artist signature placed on the race track ground symbolizes that sensitive people often get ‘run over’ in “The Rat Race.” This work was inspired by the competition, endurance required and complex personalities inherent in corporate life and life in general. There are many stories within this artwork.
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Rat Race is available in Limited Edition prints and many lovely stationery, household and wearable products, at Create.bz.
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