Abraham Lincoln once said: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power”.

 

In a democratic society, people give power to leaders with the hope that they will do what is right. However, humans are all fallible and imperfect, and sometimes justice falls in the interest of the stronger.

 

This work is part of Boo Sze Yang’s latest series ‘Romance on Hobby Horses’, recently shown in group exhibition, The Spatial, the Ephemeral, and the Possibility of It All. After studying and re-composing images of protest and civic unrest, Boo Sze Yang reframes the scenes through dark humour and an exaggerated theatricality, blowing up uncanny repetitions of figures, synchronised dance moves, and poster-like mise-en-scène. Masks may not necessarily be associated with villains, they can also represent the need for protection in a dangerous world. Gas masks can serve different symbolic meanings depending on the context. They can represent resistance, solidarity, and survival in harsh and dangerous environments, but are also associated with fear, danger, and harm due to their common use in war and chemical attacks.

 

By titling the painting after the song "Ra Ra Rasputin", Boo tries to establish a connection between the painting and the lyrics and themes of the song. "Ra Ra Rasputin" is a popular song that tells the story of Grigori Rasputin, a mystic and controversial figure in Russian history. The song's lyrics depict Rasputin's influence over the Russian royal family and his enigmatic and captivating persona.