Spraying Global Occupation (2011) Oil on triptych panel 18” x 25”
Inspired by recent Occupation movements that started to spread globally
by the end of 2011, I created this triptych altarpiece to connect some
historical events with the present moment. The use and appropriation of Roman
Catholic imagery creates another level of spiritual complexity to the
historical narrative. In the centerpiece a representation of Saint Michael the
Archangel is defeating the devil this time not with sword and scales in hand
but with a police baton and pepper spray.
"Spraying Global Occupation" (detail)
In the background a cupid has just
sprayed the word “Revolution” on a wall.
Nearby camera men shoot their cameras at a police handcuffing
Jesus.
"Spraying Global Occupation" (Detail)
On the left wing a representation
of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor stands proudly with a banner displaying a cross
and corporate logos. This character is an embodiment of supreme Imperial power
from the time of the conquest and colonization of the New World. At his feet a
skull masked indigenous character points out to the right. On the right wing I
have appropriated the female allegory of Liberty guiding the people from a
painting by Delacroix. This time she carries a new banner while confronting an
anti-riot police at the bottom.
"Spraying Global Occupation" (doors closed)
The inscription on the lower segment of the
piece translates from Latin to English as: “Occupy Government, Church,
Corporations and Media”. The symbols depicted on the closed doors are those of
the planetary signs of Uranus, Saturn, Pluto and Neptune. These as well as the
imagery used in this painting respond to the study of archetypal astrology and
the planetary alignments associated with the French Revolution and the Occupy
Global movement. Interpretation and meaning of this piece is open and
multivalent as in archetypal astrology.
"Spraying Global Occupation" is available at Jane Sauer Gallery, Santa Fe, NM. It will also be in display in the gallery booth at Art Palm Beach in January 20-23 2012.
"Spraying Global Occupation" is available at Jane Sauer Gallery, Santa Fe, NM. It will also be in display in the gallery booth at Art Palm Beach in January 20-23 2012.
