Samurai No. 8 1987

Jay DeFeo's Samurai No. 8 presents us with a stark, monochrome figure, its geometry reminiscent of both a warrior’s helmet and a fortress. The helmet as a symbol of protection and authority has ancient roots, echoed in the Greco-Roman world and medieval Europe. Think of the Spartan helmet, or the visages of knights, promising security and power. Yet, here, the helmet is fragmented. The brushstrokes convey a sense of both strength and vulnerability. This dichotomy stirs something deep within us. Could it be our subconscious recognition of the warrior's internal battles? The helmet's evolution speaks of humanity's enduring need for defense, not just against external threats, but internal ones too. As the samurai's helmet evolved from basic protection to ornate displays of status, it mirrors the way we construct our public identities. It has continually resurfaced, taking on new meanings in our collective psyche.