Powerplay (1982-1986)

Powerplay was inspired by Judy Chicago's 1982 visit to Italy where she was impressed by such artists as Michelangelo, Mantegna and Raphael. She began to work with nude male models. Among the themes are masculine power and its link to violence.

Power and Violence: a Male Thing

The Paintings

1. In the Shadow of the Handgun (Detail) 1983, Sprayed acrylic and oil on Belgian linen, 9ft x 12ft, collection of the artist.
2. Three Faces of Man (Detail) 1985, Sprayed acrylic and oil on Belgian linen in three panels, 4ft 6inx 3ft, Ruth Lambert and Henry Harrison collection, New Haven, Conn.
3. Rainbow Man (Detail) 1984, Sprayed acrylic and oil on Belgian linen in three panels, 9ft x 22ft, collection of the artist.
4. Pissing on Nature (Detail) 1983, Sprayed acrylic and oil on Belgian linen, 9ft x 6 ft, collection of the artist.
5. Trying to Kill the Womanly Feelings in His Heart (Detail) 1986, Prismacolor on handmade paper, 15in x 10in, Jeffrey Bergen collection, ACA Galleries, New York City.