This is a portrait of a mighty force. A force that can easily plow through a field of inept bureaucrats and pay no heed to their authority when he has to get things done. A force that has produced scores of what I consider to be the purest art events in the history of Tampa. I’m not talking about the kind of predictable events where art patrons, dressed business casual, stand around with a plastic champagne flute in one hand and a plate of hor’s d’ oeuvres in the other. He produces art and events for real people. His version of art creates joy for all who are lucky enough to experience it. In fact, some of his art is so delightful and unpredictable that people might not even know its art. That’s the magic of David Audet. He is the consummate experiential artist. The event is his art.
I made this photograph as he was setting the stage for one of our Cuban Sandwich Shows. In this scene, I see him as a proud boxer from some distant place and time. The underdog, standing alone in an empty arena contemplating his chances before the big event. He is mighty. He is my friend.