Another—narcissistic, neurotic narcotic
2024
Acrylic, colored pencil, and graphite on oil paper
22 inches x 30 inches
A collaboration between Bryce Holt & Chrilz

Piece Narrative by The Patrons

Conceptual Statement

Like a rust, a dusty image, visage. Overplayed, overdone. Maybe even overcooked.

A battle ensues, the image is tarnished by the settling dust. The delicate prince, fixed upon the central axis, and his dowry in tow. The crown jewels are as you’d have them; and them, and them. These perilous directions, and all of them wanting—all of them, a hackneyed morsel.

You got drunk on the cheap wine, so you missed the miracle. A vision lost to repeat; over and over. Turning him in, turning him into, turning him inward—against himself. Torn apart and torn asunder. Yet still remaining at the end of the age.

Yesterday’s still here. The years away. It’s death’s reluctance—groping for the jewels, leaving substance unresolved, and wondering at his stagger. Incredulity became your comforter when the world was gained to no merit. Even upon witnessing its dissolution in the palms of your hands.

Who picks up the prize in the eleventh hour? Who’s there—when the smoke clears and the head returns from its cloudy stupor? Will the stars still twinkle, when it’s all uncovered? Face to face, with forever. Behold, it’s what you wanted—and he beholds you too. A seeing, without knowing. Adoring, without understanding.

It’s the furthest from what you wanted, but try to wear it well. At least you’re pretty, were it not for that, you might not even catch the glances. You look older, and you’re thin. But they won’t notice that, only you’ll see it. They’ll see through it, and ask for it again. Thank goodness, you’ve got that face. Some sink ships, others start wars. Yours keeps the charade aloft. Ignominy’s little urchin—broken, a bit bemused.

And so, shrouds. Arresting their stares, and still beckoning. He won’t cease, so unrelenting. To insist in spite of confusion, and persist within the cacophony. Because maybe, after all—in the dark—they might see it.