Mind Your Manners

This painting is basically about manners and civility. When it is absent, then society degrades. When society degrades, the most nefarious elements take over. I suppose its a simple as that.

I’ve paid alot of attention to the setting of this one. It’s based on a section of footpath and driveway opposite my workplace. I’ve tried to keep the gutter, sidewalls and street-sign distinctly Melbournian. The fine upstanding gentleman (or woman, cos you can never assume these days) in the background on the right-side is inspired by a real-life persona. The other two figures are fictitious allegories.

What was the root cause of this situation? Apathy? Arrogance? Hatred and revenge? Lack of awareness? Excess of pride? Excess of stupidity?

Who knows really.