In *Tycoon - Crispin Sturrock delves into the dark heart of power and ambition, presenting us with an unsettling portrait of wealth and influence that is as much about the architecture of the mind as it is about material success. The figure at the centre stands with arms outstretched, fists clenched around towering skyscrapers, crumbling at their edges as if the very fabric of empire is slipping through the fingers of its creator. This is a man who holds everything, but in doing so, is inextricably bound to the precariousness of what he controls.

The choice of colours—deep blues and reds—imbues the work with a palpable sense of tension, setting the piece in the liminal space of dusk, where the light begins to fade, and the shadows grow long. It’s a place where power feels both immense and fragile. The work’s emotional depth is drawn from the weight of history, from the strain of relentless success and the toll it takes on the mind and body. The subject’s head is a surreal amalgamation of buildings, not a face, suggesting a kind of dehumanisation; it’s not the person we’re asked to understand, but the concept of a man who becomes indistinguishable from his empire—a king whose crown is made of steel and glass.

At 1.2 meters high by 1.8 meters wide, the scale of the piece demands attention. It’s not the kind of work you glance at and move on from. No, this is a painting that requires patience and repeated observation, a slow reveal of hidden motifs and layered meanings. It is an addictive work, designed to be examined in stages, and the longer you look, the more you feel the pressure building—much like the tycoon himself. Those drawn to this piece will find themselves confronting not just the overwhelming power of the subject but the creeping anxiety of holding such immense influence.

There is a challenge here. The work isn’t for the faint of heart—it demands an understanding of what it means to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Sturrock’s *Tycoon* is a meditation on the psyche of those who achieve extraordinary success at great personal cost. It’s not just a portrait of Rockefeller, but a psychological study of anyone who has reached a pinnacle only to find that the view from the top is not without its dangers. In the end, it asks: What does it take to be at the very top—and what does it cost?

The artist offers no easy answers, only the deep, unsettling acknowledgment that for those who dare to build such monumental empires, the question of whether they can ever truly let go is one that hangs, suspended, in the darkest of skies.

#016 Tycoon - John D. Rockefeller, 2020

Acrylic on canvas

120 x 180 cm / 47 x 71 inches

In my artwork, I delve into the life of John D. Rockefeller, a man whose influence is as profound as it is controversial. As the architect behind Standard Oil, Rockefeller rose to become one of the wealthiest individuals in modern history, significantly altering the course of the American economy. His innovations in the oil industry helped power modern society, fuelling everything from transportation to electricity. Yet, his aggressive business tactics, which included manipulating markets and crushing competitors, led to criticism. This culminated in the breakup of Standard Oil in 1911 under antitrust legislation​.

Despite the criticisms surrounding his business practices, Rockefeller's philanthropic legacy is undeniable. He contributed millions to causes in education, healthcare, and science, founding institutions such as the University of Chicago and the Rockefeller Foundation. These enduring contributions have shaped global advancements in public health, research, and social welfare​.

Tycoon captures the complexity of Rockefeller’s legacy. It reflects both the monumental impact of a business empire and the ethical debates surrounding the approach to success.

This artwork serves as a reminder that the path to progress is often a balancing act where innovation, power, and morality intersect. By exploring both the positive and negative aspects of wealth in life, we are prompted to consider how we view power, wealth, and the responsibility that comes with it.