Jack Spencer's powerful image, Man with Fish, Como, MS, 1996 (at left), is the inspiration for this piece. His photograph of a young man with a large caught fish is about potential, bounty and hope. It's glowing light and deep shadows speak of life's miracles and mysteries, including man's complicated relationship to nature and the cycle of life.
Although Mr. Spencer uses the word “Man” in the title, to me it speaks about youth. The optimism of the large fish and the smooth hairless chest make me think “young man” of about 20 years old. A man, but not by much.
My treatment of the image is anti-optimism. By reshooting the image with an older fully grown man, holding a small diminutive fish, I am expressing disappointment. This, along with his softer physique, less symmetrical frame and somewhat slouchy appearance, convey my dissatisfaction in mediocrity, reality, mankind and men.
I was compelled to “re” create this piece after breaking up with my boyfriend as a way of expressing my frustration about what I perceived to be his inability to fulfill traditional gender roles. By using my ex-boyfriend as a model I am talking about my specific disappointment in him, as well as, a universal feelings of frustration. This man, 30 years old, holds a fish too small for him. As it is not enough to nourish him alone, it is certainly not enough to nourish another. He cannot contribute to his family, or his community at large. This is an image about coming up short.
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