Barbarism Begins At Home

This is the first painting I did when I began working regularly, about 18 months ago.

I was inspired by the dead-eyed stare of Hello Kitty, and how this cutesy character was the acceptable face of global consumerism. I wanted to subvert this a little, so dressed her up as a riot cop, the unacceptable face of globalisation and control.

The title, like a lot that were to follow, comes from a song by The Smiths.

It's oil on canvas, 12 x 16", and is now sold.