Remake Remodel is an exploration into taking an ‘old masters’ painting and bringing it into the modern context. I chose to look at the painting ' Stanczyk ' by Jan Matejko, and use it’s political context to compare it with world events today. The painting depicts a Polish court jester, slumped in a chair after learning of a military defeat as the rich attend a party that takes place behind him. It creates an interesting juxtaposition where only the commoner seems to care about the future of his country, while those in power seem wilfully ignorant. Originally I explored how the character of the Jester could stand as a figure for protest in our age of increasing activism. However my direction changed during the project when I heard of Ruth Bader Ginsberg's passing and who she was to be replaced by in the Supreme Court. I thought the symbolism of a falling country in the original painting would fit well with this subject matter.
'Stanczyk' by Jan Matejko, 1862
One piece of symbolism in the original painting is the mishandling of a lute. The lute is often a sign of peace, to have it treated poorly would be a sign of bad luck..
Bringing this symbol of misfortune into the contemporary context by including the cuff of a suit.
Another piece of symbolism to bring forward, the star falling over the court where coronations take place also symbolises bad luck for the future of a country.
Referencing Ruth Bader Ginsberg's passing by integrating this symbolism into the American flag.
