Plight of Men, in Three Dimensions

Back in August, I had an idea for a sculptural artwork. It happened in a flash, while I was lying in bed. I had the complete idea within 30 seconds. It was just there.
But then the work began! I had to select and gather the materials and objects, work with all that to create it, then write up a submission for a local gallery show, all within a few days. Somehow, I got all that accomplished.

What follows are a few photographs of the work, followed by the “Artist’s Statement and Bio” that I submitted to the gallery. The gallery is managed by the non-profit organization, ArtSpace, in Maynard, Massachusetts, where I live.1 I’m an artist member of the organization. The current show, “Debut” will be open until November 10th, 2025.

The piece “All Screwed Up” is a metaphor for the plight of men in today’s society, under patriarchy. It is designed to be intentionally rough, crude, angular, and somewhat disorganized on the outside, as men are often taught and expected to be.

The screws at various angles and the phrase “all screwed up” mean to represent the impact of patriarchy on men, resulting in the feelings, confusion, and low self esteem that many men experience. These feelings often arise from time spent in school, in dangerous and stressful jobs, incarcerated, and in combat during war.

The piece can be opened, although with some difficulty, to represent the difficulty in accessing the true inner being of most men. The heart charm deep within the cavity stands for the tender human being that exists within all of us, regardless of sex assigned at birth or gender identity.

About the artist:

Glenn C. Koenig was born and grew up in Connecticut. At age 25, he settled in the Boston Area. He has worked as a software engineer, database designer, video producer, photographer, writer, poet, publisher, journalist, discussion host and panelist, as well as a community organizer, volunteer, elected town meeting representative, and non-profit organization board member.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goddard College and is otherwise self taught. He was awarded Eagle Scout in his teens, and is a veteran of the US Army, having served during the Viet Nam era.

One of Glenn’s favorite quotes is from Stan Dale, “All human behavior is either an act of love or a cry for love.”2