WATERGATE

The Watergate scandal perplexed and tickled Władysław Brzosko’s Polish sense of humor resulting in a large satirical canvas measuring 46" x 68” and dozens of charcoal and watercolor preparatory sketches. Brzosko worked on the Watergate painting for several decades beginning in 1972. He repainted parts of the canvas several times reflecting his changing impressions of various events and added the final touches in 2000.

The Watergate painting offers social commentary on the policies of several US presidents and the Congress during this period in American history. Numerous intersecting frames address topics related to the break-in at the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate building and ending with the resignation of President Nixon.

The panel across the bottom shows groups of tropical fish in the guise of the president and his family, his "henchmen," and various world leaders. The canvas also includes portraits of Senators Jackson and Javits, and offers commentary on President Reagan's comment about nutrition and school lunches: "Catsup is a vegetable, isn't it?." In addition to the Watergate painting, Brzosko planned a number of other political projects that he was unable to complete, but for which he made preparatory sketches (e.g. - the Oswald Assassination).