Created 1995 Acquired 19955

Cartoon animals over found seascape

Donated to Laguna Art Museum in 1999 as one of 109 works
Exhibited Laguna Art Museum 1998-9 "Life Lessons: How Art Can Change Your Life"

[Comments by Ausgang]
Original Artist: Joy
I initially titled this one ?The Hero? but after I had it for a while I decided that the look on the lifesaver guy?s face was anything but benign. I began to believe he was showing the drowning guy the lifesaver but had no intention of throwing it to him. The overall darkness of the scene seemed to imply disaster more than salvation, the stormy waters, tragedy. I believe there?s a few people out there who?d think twice before tossing the lifesaver. This painting is for you.

The artist at one time considered titling this Hero or Villain? I like that title better, because this piece is forever linked in my mind with Baldessari's Hope. The ambiguity cranks up the desperation in both pieces.

"Exh:Laguna Art Museum, 1998-9, 'Life Lessons; ...'"

Anthony Ausgang