"Testosteronomics"—A Bold Critique of Power and Decision-Making on International Women’s Day

This artwork, The Death of Empathy, is unveiled on March 8, on International Women’s Day. The art piece is actually a new word: 'testosteronomics'.

It is visualised on a 100x73cm acrylic painting, featuring the newly coined word “Testosteronomics” in a rain-drenched typeface—symbolizing the erosion of vision and empathy in modern political and corporate decision-making.

With Testosteronomics, Van Mol introduces a term that encapsulates a troubling phenomenon: leadership dominated by aggressive, short-term ego-centric decision-making, where bravado replaces foresight, and power overshadows compassion. The piece challenges audiences to reflect on the consequences of unchecked masculine-driven governance and the absence of true empathy in critical decision-making spaces.

“Too often, we see global leaders and corporate giants making choices that are driven by force rather than thoughtfulness, reaction rather than reflection,” Van Mol states. “The Death of Empathy is my way of visualizing the decay of nuanced, forward-thinking leadership.”

The work’s unveiling on International Women’s Day is intentional—highlighting the urgent need for balance, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence in decision-making structures worldwide. The Death of Empathy invites viewers to confront and question the paradigms that shape our world.