The dichotomy between the sacred and the profane is a central characteristic of most religions and belief systems. The sacred/profane dichotomy is not necessarily equivalent to good/evil. The “sacred” can be good or evil, and the “profane” can be either as well. For example- both guns and money can be agents of good and security for some, and profaned by others into agents of evil; at the expense and detriment of everyone else. On the other hand, and without any suggestion of irony, I hold nature (represented by ocean fish in this show) to be the perfect model of balance, adaptation, and variation on a theme; and thus sanctity.
I believe that the darker side of America has grown as result of over-consumption, personal corruption, and greed. Personal corruption occurs when a person betrays, or “profanes” their belief system for personal gain. The work in this show explores the relationship between what I consider sacred and what I feel has been profaned in our society.
I put myself in the point of view of a future archeologist, unearthing object d’art treasures and revealing them to a curious public. Each new “discovery” causes a reframing of ones own belief system. The use of precious metals and representation of objects of power refer to archeological artifacts and mimics religious reliquaries. By controlling the illusion of passing time there is a hope to predict, and possible change, the course of our future.
Originally exhibited: July 6th-30th, 2009 | Fred Simon Gallery, Nebraska Arts Council, Omaha
