2012. Edition of 150
19.5” x 24” (49.5 x 61cm)
Giclee on Optima One 100% cotton paper
Signed and numbered in pencil and blind stamped
Signed Certificate of Authenticity
Lifted II was a personal piece I created that expresses multiple ideas. On the literal level it is a critique on the mistreatment of circus animals and I envisioned a flood washing away the circus, setting the animals free but also creating a dangerous situation. The circus elephant, trained to lift and sit and perform tricks has lifted a young tiger cub to safety. The allegorical concept behind this image was to express the act of empathy and compassion that ignites a compulsion to help those less fortunate. When the water rises or the circus of life becomes too demanding sometimes we are the strong elephant and other times need to be helped like the little tiger. - Josh Keyes