E06 Chicken Suits Beryl Cook

The composition presents a peculiar scene unfolding on what appears to be a city street corner. A figure clad in a bulky chicken costume dominates the foreground, positioned centrally within the frame. The costume itself is rendered with a somewhat unsettling realism – the texture of the feathers is meticulously detailed, and the oversized head conveys an impression of awkwardness and confinement. Attached to the costume are two signs: one proclaiming LESS LUST LESS GREED LESS FEAR MORE LOVE MORE JOY MORE PEACE MORE WISDOM, and another stating BE QUIET PLEASE.
Flanking this central figure are several individuals observing the spectacle. To the left, a man in a dark suit holds aloft a placard bearing the urgent message “Repent Now.” His posture suggests an almost frantic zealotry. On the right, three women stand clustered together, their expressions ranging from amusement to detached curiosity. Each holds a black and white striped stick, possibly lollipops or similar confections, adding a touch of frivolousness to the otherwise somber atmosphere.
The background is defined by a storefront with signage indicating Wines & Spirits and multiple telephone booths. The repetition of “Phone” creates a visual rhythm that also contributes to a sense of urban alienation and impersonal communication. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – yellows, oranges, and reds – which contrast sharply with the darker hues of the man’s suit and the stark black and white signage.
The paintings subtexts are layered and open to interpretation. The chicken costume, an inherently absurd image, seems to function as a symbol of societal conformity or perhaps a satirical commentary on religious fervor. The signs attached to the costume introduce themes of moral responsibility and self-control, juxtaposed against the seemingly indifferent observation of the onlookers. The presence of alcohol and telephones suggests a critique of modern consumerism and superficiality.
The overall effect is one of unsettling humor and social commentary. It evokes a sense of disorientation and invites reflection on the complexities of human behavior within an urban environment – a place where earnest pronouncements can coexist with casual amusement, and profound messages are often lost amidst the noise of everyday life.