An 18th-century Polish rabbi, Simcha Bunim, wrote, “For my sake the world was created; I am nothing but dust and ashes.” The artist, contemplating the rabbi’s remarks, came to the conclusion that his words were extraordinarily profound. This dichotomy allows people to do great things and still be altruistic to their fellow human beings. Balance was the key which allows one to go through life with as few regrets as possible and still be a decent human being. In his painting, Fenton has Napoleon crowning himself Emperor of France while simultaneously seeing Somalian children dissolving into dust and ashes. Fenton portrays himself in double portraits, depicting the juxtaposition of extremes.
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Esau and Ishmael, Morning Evening
Traveling in Jordon Fenton stopped to view the fantastic desert landscape. Two Bedouin also stopped for a cigarette break. Fenton was drawn in by the timelessness of the scene. Except for cigarettes, wristwatch, and power lines in the background, this same scene could have been found centuries earlier.