"Sham Pain" addresses the intersection of success and sacrifice. The title is a play on words, taking "Champagne," a symbol of celebration and luxury, and spelling it "Sham Pain," hinting at hidden distresses beneath a facade of opulence.

 

At first glance, the painting presents a gathering of well-known superhero figures synonymous with power, virtue, and triumph sipping on Dom Perignon, NOIR, Opus One, Ace of Spades, and other luxury bottles. However, we see these characters in a moment of sadness and dissociation, their eyes streaming with tears as they sip on expensive bottles. 

 

The superheroes in "Sham Pain" have undergone various states of permutation. Their familiar costumes and iconography are altered, suggesting that the very essence of these characters has been somehow compromised. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the compromises individuals make in pursuit of their dreams. The "deal" they have taken has reshaped them, both literally and figuratively, upending their original identities and values.

 

"Sham Pain" deconstructs the vibrant, iconic colors of comic books into tattered patches and fragmented pieces, creating a sense of chaos and disarray. This underscores the idea of disintegration—the heroes' identities and the coherence of their world have been broken down, mirroring their internal fragmentation.