Mercenary Variations

Media: photography

Number of images: 42 (only 3 shown)

Print size: 16x20 inches

Execution: 2013 rev. 2019

The series is comprised of eyes and torsos. The eye photographs were taken in the mid-1960's, by an ophthalmologist for his personal collection of abnormalities. The chest x-rays were made by an unknown radiologist for the U.S. Army, 1961. Both sets were purchased at flea markets.

The formal structure of this work echos a portrait style used by 15th century Renaissance artists. Two examples by Leonardo da Vinci and Piero della Francesca of Italian mercenaries (condottiero or condottiere) are shown below.

In 1973, President Nixon abolished the "draft" (the conscription of male citizens to serve in the military) which was replaced with a "all volunteer" army. The Bush Administration following 9/11, used private contractors and outsourcing for support, logistics and material under the guise of cost savings and efficiency. These firms included Halliburton Company (Vice President Cheney's old company) and Blackwater (renamed as Xe Services and now known as Academi), a private military company, which left a troubled history in Iraq (hence the name changes).
It has believed by some (including myself) that the elimination of the draft has enabled the government to fight unpopular wars without mass protests.
This series recognizes the use of private mercenaries by our government instead of our troops to avoid accountabilty and the rules of war as defined by the Geneva Conventions.
Outsourcing support to the private sector has also created a negative feedback loop propelled by lobbying and political donations. This in turn, has kept our government and economy on a never ending war footing best exemplified by the "war on terror" now entering it's 18th year.
Portrait de Sigismond Pandolfo Malatesta

Portrait de Sigismond Pandolfo Malatesta (c.1450-1451)
Condottiere
by Piero della Francesca (1422-1492)
© RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / photograph by Thierry le Mage

Profilo di Capitano Antico also known as Il Condottiero

Profilo di Capitano Antico (c.1475-1480)
also known as Il Condottiero
by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
© Trustees of the British Museum

Mercenary Variation

Mercenary Variation, 2019

Mercenary Variation

Mercenary Variation, 2019

Mercenary Variation

Mercenary Variation, 2019