The human mind has inherited a great deal of the animal. Both humans and animals share similar characteristics and they are both conscious about themselves and how they should live. Some of the qualities that humans share with animals is; they both have emotions, memory, abstract and logical thinking, they both can communicate and hunt to survive. There are many elements and characteristics which both humans and animals share, but in this artwork the artist uses the animal as a metaphor for the younger generation of humans. The drawing is an examination of society manipulating its younger generation into carrying the sins of their elders.
Depicted in ‘Jackie and Cher Ami’ is Jackie the baboon, who served in the South African army during World War I, and Cher Ami, who served in the United States army during World War I. Jackie and Cher Ami are seated at a table, having a discussion on living a life of purpose and duty to serve in a war which is violent and cruel in the name of love for their country; a life that was imposed to them by their masters.
Which brings us to the question of what it means to be a new generation. Is it new and different, or is it a modified continuation of a society that conforms to older societal patterns with its violent, greedy and selfish ways?
– Richard ‘Specs’ Ndimande