Many societies have caste systems. India is the most recognized for its use of a caste system that defines, and confines, each person born into the specific caste. The United States has an informal caste system which is less formal but just as restrictive and pernicious, especially in regard to people of color. Reference "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent" by Isabel Wilkerson.
Caste and Spheres of Influence do portray a rigid social structure that protects the privileges of the few while excluding the other.
Bak presents the levels of influence via his still life objects. The statuesque bottle is echoed within the levels of this structure as a carved out hollow in the shape of the bottle. It is, in fact, part of the three levels of apparent influence. On the left, the small goblet stands and is echoed as etched into the stone on the right which bridges two levels. The entire composition is made convincing by the artist's capacity to render textures and in doing so, we are stimulated to reflect on the world in which we live.
I am reminded of Brother Thomas's words: "We are not really whole until we take on responsibilities for others and for the whole world".
Bernard H. Pucker, BAK a Day, September 19, 2023
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Perhaps the antithesis of an idyllic still life painting which celebrates the natural beauty of colorful flora, fauna, and elegant tableware displayed in the richness of chiaroscuro lighting, this drawing presents a patchwork of stone pieces, partially aligned rock engravings with limited color on a badly damaged table precariously propped up on a wall. Although there is an intact goblet sheltered beneath one stone outcropping and a solid bottle balanced on another, the presentation is mostly an amalgam of broken, reassembled pieces and outlines referencing a world which has been forever altered.
Using particular stone pieces, patterns etched into the stone and limited yellow coloring, Bak has created a reasonable semblance of a Star of David sitting on the reconstructed table. Judaism and the Jewish people as spheres of influence have been subjected to a deadly destructive force, a different sphere of influence, intent on complete annihilation. However, using remnants and images of the cultured past, a sanguineous vision of survival and repair offers some hope. Spheres can be defined but who controls the influence and to what end?
Dr. Carl M. Herbert (Guest Writer)
BAK a Day, November 2, 2022
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