Hearts of Oak by Jesse Hazelip ~ Venice

As part of the Annual Venice Artwalk (Charity for the family clinic) and in the spirit of public art, artist Jesse Hazelip installed a mural at The Red Fort - a Venice landmark built in 1922, that is currently undergoing extensive restoration as artist studios - and has hosted public works by Retna, Reyes & Invader.

In conjunction with this mural - C.A.V.E. Gallery has curated a special pop-up exhibition at the Red Fort for the Venice Art Walk, with proceeds benefiting Venice Family Clinic. The exhibit will showcase an exciting vanguard of artists representative of the fresh talent of the contemporary movement. Participating artists include Jesse Hazelip, SIT, Kid Acne, BAYO, Jason Hernandez, EATCHO, Taka Sudo, Craww, Paul Chatem, Young Chun and Zach Johnsen. More info: www.cavegallery.net

Artist Statement:

The term 'Bailout' has become a household term amongst the American people who lost their jobs, their homes and their savings to the crooks on Wall Street whose wrongdoings were answered with government charity instead of penance.

This mural, titled "Hearts of Oak" (Cockney slang for broke), depicts an aggrandized and inflated version of the pig to represent the excess and gluttony of Wall Street. The pig is being chauffeured in an ornately gilt vessel on the back of the bull, which I use as metaphor for the working class. Adorned with blinders and the bondage of a service animal (slave), the horns have been rendered useless leaving the bull vulnerable without any form of defense. My viewpoint is that the working class has suffered greatly, having carried the burden throughout the financial crisis while the leaders of financial institutions continue to profit.

Through an intentional use of recognizable imagery, I choose to create dialogue with a wide range of viewers. This decision is influenced and inspired by George Orwell's book 1984, and the theory in the book that the hope for the nation is with the proletariats."

photos by Ralph Ziman & Patrick Iaconis.