The Monkey by Colin and Kristine Poole

Title:	The Monkey
Date Created:	2025
Copyright:	© Colin and Kristine Poole
Genre:	Fantasy
Mediums:	Clay, Sculpture
Views:	186
Posted:	12/7/2025

"The monkey on your back" is a well-known idiom about a persistent problem that can't be easily solved - once a "monkey" has a grip on your back, it can"t easily be shaken off. Sometimes, it seems the most difficult monkey to contend with is our self. While the bottom figure tries in vain to reach the monkey, the top figure - representing our shadow self - maniacally delights in picking away at her. At first look, it appears the situation may be impossible to resolve. However, the bottom figure has the beginnings of a slight smile as she glances knowingly towards the viewer, with the tension and position of her right leg indicating she is about to stand up, thereby knocking the monkey off and setting herself free.