Martin Firrell
All Power Is Temporary
2019
This work presents the sobering and reassuring thought that all power must come to an end, in the end.

It makes no difference whether that power is held by a woman or a man, how she or he regards it, or whether the intention is to use it for benign or malevolent purposes.

The temporariness of power limits it use and the potential for misuse. Anyone in power would do well to be mindful of the inherent precariousness of their position.

The work includes an image of the sculpture
Venus de Vienne
(Aphrodite bathing) from the cover of
Pallas
, a progressive arts magazine published in Buenos Aires in 1912.
Three folds in the flesh of Aphrodite's abdomen create a realistic impression of a woman rather than a representation of femininity distorted and idealised by the
male gaze
.

This artwork is part of socialart.work, a mass public art project calling for greater social justice.

It aims to create debate about power and gender, women's equality and masculinity, alternative forms of economic and social organisation, black power, and solidarity between people from different backgrounds and ethnicities.

It includes posters, publications and events supported in 2018-19 by the artist's residency with leading Out of Home media company
Clear Channel UK.
Part Of
Power and Gender / Women
Medium
Digital billboard
Displayed
UK, January 2019
Artwork
800 x 400px 72dpi RGB jpeg
Download
Hi-res image
Archive
176 items
Acknowledgement
Venus de Vienne / Pallas No. 2
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes Buenos Aires
Residency
Artist in Residence, Clear Channel UK
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