Bent Figure with Megaphone 1988

Betty Goodwin created "Bent Figure with Megaphone" using mixed media on vellum. Goodwin came of age during a time of significant social change and artistic experimentation. In this piece, the megaphone becomes a complex symbol. It is a tool for amplification, yet here it seems to weigh down the figure, bending them under its pressure. Is it a symbol of power, or perhaps a critique of the burdens and responsibilities that come with having a voice? The figure itself is rendered with vulnerability, its bent posture suggesting a state of emotional or physical stress. The muted tones and gestural lines create a sense of fragility, emphasizing the human condition. Goodwin once said, "I am interested in the vulnerability and resilience of the human body." This piece captures that sentiment perfectly, reflecting both the strength and fragility inherent in our existence. It is a powerful exploration of the human capacity to endure, even when burdened by the weight of the world.