The artwork titled “Study for Throwing Sodomites to the Dogs” was created by artist Kent Monkman in 2020. It is an acrylic painting on canvas that falls under the genres of Classical Realism and Postcolonial art, characterized as figurative and a nude painting (nu). The piece is a reflective and critical examination of historical narratives and power dynamics.
The artwork portrays an unsettling scene bathed in vibrant yet contrasting hues. In the foreground, several nude figures are depicted in various states of distress and vulnerability. They are attacked by menacing dogs that appear to be in mid-action, lunging with bared teeth and hostile postures. The expressions of the figures range from agony to horror, suggesting a moment of intense violence and terror.
In stark contrast, the background is populated by a group of exuberantly dressed individuals from what appears to be a bygone era, likely representing European colonizers, based on their attire. They exhibit a variety of reactions, from laughter and mockery to indifference and casual observation. The dichotomy between the brutal scene that unfolds before them and their mirthful demeanor creates a jarring juxtaposition that is likely meant to evoke reflection on the themes of colonialism, cruelty, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups.
Kent Monkman’s work is known for its incisive social critique, and this painting continues in that vein, using historical references and anachronistic elements to confront the viewer with the consequences and perpetuation of colonial attitudes. The detailed rendering of the figures and costumes fits within the tradition of Classical Realism, yet the content and context firmly place the work within the discourse of Postcolonial art, challenging and subverting the conventions and narratives of art history.
