The Lotus Eater
Artist
Carl Dobsky II
(b. 1972)
Date2009
MediumOil on linen
Dimensions24 × 60 in. (61 × 152.4 cm)
ClassificationsOil Painting
Credit LineAnonymous gift, 2014
Object number2014.165
Description"The title refers to the the Odyssey as well as to a poem by Tennyson. After landing on an island, some of Odysseus' men were sent to find out who the inhabitants of the island were. They encountered a race of people who gave them a certain flower to eat that made them have no desire to make the long arduous journey home. Eventually they were forced back on board the ship by Odysseus despite their desire to remain and do nothing but eat the lotus flower. I have reinterpreted this in the form of a steet kid. The kind that could be possibly found in the Upper Haight in San Francisco and most likely comes from a troubled background. Someone who has possibly run away from home. Like one of Odyssesus' men, he is a recent inhabitant of the land of the Lotus Eaters. This is evident in that time has not worn away his youth and has not completely covered him in earth and grime.
The pose was inspired by images of Christ in old religious images. Particularly one by Holbein. It is not to convey any religious sentiment per se, but rather to imply a possible resurrection or rising again. In other words, to leave behind this state and begin the long journey home." - Carl Dobsky
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