Original Oil Painting on Canvas

Framed

By Helen Norton

150 x 200 cm

2012 Prosperity

We are currently living in the largest debt fuelled prosperity bubble in the history of the world. Many people and nations have been living beyond their means creating debt that cannot be sustained. Along with the uncertainty of the mining boom, this means that many believe there is no guarantee of prosperity for our children. These contemporary issues of world debt and inheritance are explored in Helen Norton's exhibition Prosperity.
Children are featured throughout the body of works as though an asset, sometimes suspended by helium filled balloons, dangerously led into oblivious debt; sometimes standing firm, proud and hopeful for their
future. The appearance of the Minotaur, the beast that is human with the head of a bull, is symbolic of practices that were once perceived as shameful becoming normal. In short, the story of the Minotaur is one of deceit, shame and power and according to Norton the modern story of shame for the developed world is debt. "There is no shame or consciousness anywhere in sight, which is what we are teaching our children. We need to encourage personal financial prosperity and protect what we are going to leave for our children. Mining needs to be carefully examined for its longevity; and sovereignty needs to be examined from more than a financial angle. "This exhibition forms a powerful body of work that will engage and engross all who see it. Norton cements her reputation as a top order narrative painter.