The images of Powerplay are the result of a long and sometimes surprising process. In the autumn of 1982, Chicago visited Rome for the first time and was moved and inspired by the monumental scale and clarity of Renaissance painting. She decided to make a series of oil paintings in the classical tradition of the heroic nude but to do it her way, of course. The conscious adaptation of an historical style to a contemporary purpose reflects Chicago's post-modern mentality as an artist. She is aware of subverting the tradition upon which she has drawn, but is respectful of the skill and technique it requires.
