Perpetual Envy was based around the theme of ambitions troubled with obstacles.

As you enter the gallery you walk through a blank hallway which represents unwritten rules which society puts on all people through it's institutions and government. The only sign we see is critical towards dogs, a group chosen that none of the spectators belongs to, but which some may have been compared to for a number of reasons, specifically here for having ambitions and for being in a position which is considered inferior to Man.

As you turn the corner you see a Bone connected to a floating gun. the bone is a treat for a dog and may provide sustenance. This comments on how, in our society, people are looked down upon for trying to get a bone instead of aiming for a steak, regardless of their means. Many minority dishes are considered unusual by mainstream society or unappealing, and considered undesirable for having foreign qualities fit for animals. We chose the bone, because often American Dogs are given these, while not too far from here there is a family that could use the same bone to make a soup and have a nice meal. The music being played over the exhibit mentions this reference, "Knick Knack paddy whack, give the dog a bone," and the childish voice reminds us that even in our childhood these images had started formation.

Unfortunately, there are problems associated with taking it. Visibly the rope attached to it is connected to a trigger on a suspended rifle, and the shells on the floor make it obvious that the gun is real and has been fired often. This can be associated with obstacles and hardships which face unprivileged people, who want to have food and work in society. If you want to get any form of assistance you need to play certain games and work around the unwritten rules of society. A few examples are: you have to be an American Citizen to be here in the states - like a dog has to be invited to play in your yard, you have to earn your wages - even a dog has to do tricks or beg to get a treat, If you get too ambitious the person with power will crush you - Dogs aren't allowed to be without their leash, or else the dogcatcher will get them. Some of the images we wanted to bring up in this setting are the ideas of trying to get the bone and: getting shot, escaping the bullet having the gun gone off, cutting the rope, and having someone else get shot while you take the bone from them. These are all possibilities, and have been left as such to promote further analysis by the individual viewer.

The Gun represents power. It is representative of Corporations, Government, Institutions, and Society as the power to decide who succeeds - who can take the bone and who can't. Often it allows certain individuals privileges - some dogs get steak while others are stuck fighting over bones or a few scraps of meat, it is designed to keep people away from taking their power and control - it has the only authority to kill.

Perpetual Envy.        Squatter's Gallery

- Entrance
- Hallway
- Corner
- Challenge
- Gun
- Floor
- Obstacle
- Treat

Copyright © 1994 Manuel A Hernandez