The Superego is the part of us that watches from above, judging our every thought and action. Ego and Id must be kept in balance, or punishment is due.
Society gives us conflicting messages concerning sexuality, and for many of us the pursuit of pleasure is plagued with guilt.
Fantasies of punishment are common, whether aimed at ourselves or at those onto whom we project our worst qualities.
By acting out the rituals of punishment, we restore order to the universe.
"Journey of the Son" included a scene where my head was shaved as a form of punishment. Video by David Raybould, March 2014.
"Feeding the Snake" was my first work of performance art. The snake in the Garden of Eden takes the blame for mankind's fall, and as punishment is condemned to slither on its belly forevermore. July 2009.