Art Works > Selected Works.1987-9 Dedicated to the critic and writer Roy Wallis. Gerry Gleason.

Two events historically influenced this painting. I had visited Auschwitz during that period and the N Ireland Troubles were current at that time. The influence of numbers tattooed on inmates at Auschwitz (a macrocosm of world history) and the loss of life occurring on a daily basis in the N. Ireland conflict are reflected in the image. The shadows behind the figures a sense of loss for the families who were bereaved . Counselling was almost non existent for those on the receiving end of the violence during those times.
Some people felt on their way to work like sitting ducks from the bomb,the bullet and sectarian attacks. Eye Witness's at times remained silent for fear of their lives and that of their families. The playing cards buried beneath the paint layers represent life or death as a lottery.