Every week, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 42-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
It can be scary to put contentious work in front of people. Daunting. Intimidating. Not everyone can (or wants to) address social justice issues in their songs, paintings, poems, etc. Pairing David’s exceptional illustration of a hooded figure skulking around an alley with “The Revival Of Cruelty” is a small act that intends to reflect that humanity has shifted for the worse.
Perhaps the hooded figure is dumpster diving for food. Maybe that’s what David is doing. The hoodie sets us up to jump to the conclusion that the person is up to no good, when really, they are simply hungry and without means. Maybe the rat is the clue, although I can hardly look at it. It suggests food nearby as opposed to crime.
“The Revival Of Cruelty” from The Eagle And The Poodle (Matador, 1996) (download):
