Payroll

In an era where gender equality is claimed, Payroll does nothing but reveal a pure and simple truth. Economic independence has not released women from a hidden desire, having a rich man next to them to take care of them. Money is still the most “powerful aphrodisiac”, to the point that it becomes one of the most significant, if not the only, quality to start dating. And it is in this scenario that the God Money becomes for women what the Goddess Beauty is for men, the only rule to follow in order to perceive a sense of power, contentment and gratification.

We grow up with Disney’s fairy tales and stories of “two hearts and a hut” but when we grow up the only thing we want are princes and majestic castles.

In an era in which “consumption” is the watchword, even the concept of love is tragically distorted. Emotional characteristics and character affinities give way to material and worldly desires and aesthetic ideals. We look at the economic aspect as a priority factor of well being and as a goal to achieve quickly and with the least possible effort.

It is in this sad modern reality that what should be the consecratory act of a romantic love is replaced by another form of gratification and satisfaction of intimate needs.

Cynicism? No, only a raw truth.

The woman portrayed in Payroll, covered with luxury jewelry, is the perfect symbol. She probably smiles, believing she made it, without realizing that she has been locked up alone in a sad cage where emotions are sold out, kept quiet and not listened to. That’s how the sparkle captured in this freeze-image takes on a completely different value because no matter how precious or studded with diamonds and precious stones it may be, a cage is always a cage and it will keep you from taking flight.

What was a dream becomes an illusion. What had to be wealth turns into poverty. The word love translates into solitude.