Dual Nature
February 2007, 76x61cm, Acrylic on canvas
This picture is of the dual nature of mankind.
One part (the brown creature on the right) is bestial. It is driven by instinct and practicality.
This leads to selfishness, even viciousness, but uses the kind of means-to-an-end reasoning that
optimises its chances for survival, and the fulfilment of its goals. Although this may be considered
the lesser part of our nature, it is nonetheless powerful and vibrant.
The other part (the blue figure on the left) is that part of our nature that we feel sets us apart
from the rest of the animal kingdom. It is philosophical, strives for enlightenment, and has an holistic view
of the universe. This is the part of us that assigns meaning and context to the world.
It considers actions in terms of their significance, and their impact on its environment rather than just itself.
This aspect of our nature drives us to take the right course of action, even if this is not necessarily
the optimal course of action for maximising our success.
I believe that the evolution of mankind could take us in either of these directions.