Is this a skewering the concept of the heroic male artist and a revolting use of media? Rather. McCarthy is known for that, as well as pushing the envelope of performance art and Santa Claus imagery. Generally I find his earlier work sickening. In this clip, I’m entranced and sympathetic and disgusted all at the same time. I identify with the painter. This video captures a sense of how it can be to try to create. To struggle with the beginnings of an idea.

Unfortunately, it kind of looks like me, stuck in a rut over this stupid paper I’m writing. Well, not quite like me. I don’t have ketchup or big hands. In fact, I’m much better looking. But it feels the same.