Benefits of Progress Painting by Artfux, 1992

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A great image by the collaborative group Artfux founded in 1990. This work was most likely influenced by one of … Read more A great image by the collaborative group Artfux founded in 1990. This work was most likely influenced by one of the founders Ray Arcadio. This image seems appropriate for the times even though it is over 25 years old. In this #meToo environment and the push for equal rights for woman and minorities. From his website the following;
To artist Ray Aracdio, occupy Wall Street is the epitome of American freedom.

It's about time, he said, that workers challenge corporations. The "headless leaders" have control, which should be with everyone else, said Arcadio, a North Bergen resident. 

"Our government's subsidizing of corporations with tax payer dollars has been like a stab in the heart of every hard working citizen and OWS is the blood seeping from the wound that our headless leader has inflicted on us."

He took the image of a 'headless leader' to signify the elite group making decisions that do not line up with the rest of society. 

The group also protested the first Iraq war as well as the happenings on Wall Street.
"When OWS began, I knew I had to participate in some way again so I made the painting in support of the protesters. I logged onto their website and sent them the image," he said.
Arcadio's art mostly deals with social issues meant to stir conversation and to make a statement.
"I like to say that it's about people's necessity to go to extremes with their beauty, beliefs or expression. I'm fascinated by the physical manifestation of these extremes. I believe Art must say something. It should not just match the couch, it must exist as a tool for social consciousness and awareness, to stir emotions, educate, inform, shed light, start conversations and even protest."
Arcadio earned his bachelor's degree from New Jersey City University, and since has shown his work around the country, including at the Jersey City Museum. See less