Rats By: Miguel Hernández

Category: Drawing • Technique: Acrylic and ink on canvas • Format: 48" x 80" • Year: 2007
XX Award, Centro E. Leon Jimenes.
Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Rodents have been a permanent fixture in the history of art. Referencing Dante’s Divine Comedy, they represent, in part, the misery of the human experience. These sickening animals live off of the lives of others and take whatever they can get.

“Rats” expresses, for those that assume as their own, the collective patrimony of the people, the stealing of the public treasury, of which dates back to the beginning of human existence. It presents itself as a desired delicacy by the hungry rats that devour anything. This quality should diminish misery, but instead it supports poverty. Nevertheless, this power is used with the darkest intentions and malice and disregard for fellow humans.

I submit this socially controversial proposal in response to the real government “Rats” who only care for the growth of their pockets. All humans die alone and with corruption. The difference is one’s dignity with God.