Throughout history, we've witnessed the emergence of "end of the world" prophets, each with their own unique method of heralding doom. Personally, I remain skeptical of doomsday cults; the Earth, after all, will continue its celestial dance long after my time has passed. However, the manner in which we steward our environment is a pressing concern. The complexities involved defy any singular solution, although curbing human greed would undoubtedly be a step in the right direction—though I'll admit, I'm also a realist at heart! This theme is currently at the forefront of my Seven Deadly Sins series.
Religion has long held a fascination for me, though I find myself envious of those who possess unwavering faith. My own journey into the depths of religious texts led me to a prolonged exploration of the Book of Revelation. What is it about this chapter that instills such fear? For me, it became a transformative experience—a profound journey spanning eighteen months that left me changed, imbued with a newfound sense of tranquility.
Among the artists who inspire me are luminaries such as Hieronymus Bosch, Salvador Dali, Francis Bacon, and Goya. What draws me to their work is not merely their technical prowess, but the unbridled freedom with which they express themselves. They remain true to their unique voices, eschewing transient trends in favor of authenticity. My own artistic journey was hindered by the constraints of conformity during my time at art college, leading me to depart in pursuit of a more genuine path.
Art, for me, is a deeply personal expression—an intimate dialogue between artist and beholder. I recognize that not everyone will resonate with my work, and that's perfectly alright. True appreciation stems from a connection with the artist's inner essence, rather than adherence to prevailing tastes. While some may find Banksy's work captivating or Picasso's later works profound, I remain unmoved, preferring to seek out voices that resonate with my own.
In a world where conformity often dictates taste, it's the individuals who dare to think for themselves that truly captivate me. My own work may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to delve beneath the surface, they'll find a trove of hidden messages and personal narratives woven into each piece. It's a dynamic journey—one that pulsates with energy and emotion, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its transformative power.
If you wish to visit this piece please contact me to arrange a date.
I am the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end.
My odyssey with the Book of Revelation began with a seed of inspiration, a modest yet potent idea that took root in my mind. From that humble beginning, it burgeoned into a sprawling vision, a tapestry of vivid imagery woven from the descriptive verses that populate John's prophetic dream.
The Book of Revelation, despite its brevity, is a richly detailed narrative, offering a panoramic view of John's apocalyptic vision from inception to culmination. Capturing the essence of this multifaceted tale proved to be a monumental task—one that consumed a span of eighteen months in its entirety.
Navigating the labyrinthine depths of John's dreamworld, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of symbolism and allegory, each verse a brushstroke in the grand tableau of Revelation's prophecy. Crafting a cohesive representation of this enigmatic text demanded unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail—a labor of love that ultimately yielded a singular masterpiece encapsulating the essence of John's divine revelation.
As I sat in my humble science room at the college in NZ, inspiration struck, and I found myself sketching the initial concept on scraps of paper. With nothing more than bits and pieces at hand, I fashioned a rudimentary mock-up of the mechanical workings of the piece.
From those humble beginnings, a vision began to take shape. With a clear picture of how the final piece would look, my focus shifted to weaving the narrative seamlessly around the intricacies of the design. Each element of the story was carefully crafted to harmonize with the form and function of the artwork, resulting in a cohesive and evocative fusion of concept and execution.
It all starts with the oil paintings—my beloved medium, the foundation upon which my artistic journey unfolds. Each stroke of the brush is infused with passion and purpose, capturing the essence of my vision. But it doesn't end there.
As I delved into the pages of the book, meticulously noting down key passages and poignant moments, my mind embarked on a journey of its own. I wove these fragments together, allowing them to intertwine and coalesce into a cohesive narrative. And in doing so, I discovered a new dimension to my artistry—a marriage of oil and metal.
This piece marked a departure from the confines of canvas, introducing a bold new element to my repertoire. Metal became more than just a medium; it became a conduit for expression, adding depth and texture to my creations. With each sculpture, I sought to amplify the narrative woven within the oil paintings, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
The Book of Revelation is rich with symbolism and theological significance. Each of the seven churches receiving a specific gift speaks to the unique challenges and blessings they faced.
The central figure of the Son of Man, adorned with the attributes mentioned, represents Jesus Christ in his exalted and divine form. The details align closely with the descriptions found in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus is depicted as the divine judge and ruler.
The Son of Man holding the seven stars, which represent the seven angels of the churches, signifies his authority over the spiritual realm and his guidance and protection over the churches.
The double-edged sword coming from his mouth symbolizes the power of his word, which is both a source of judgment and a means of defense against spiritual enemies.
His possession of the keys to death and hell underscores his authority over life and death, as well as his role in salvation and judgment.
John's vision of the throne room in Heaven. The vivid descriptions paint a picture of divine majesty and power, with elements like the rainbow, thunder, and lightning evoking a sense of awe and reverence.
The sea of glass like crystal and the seven lamps burning before the throne, representing the seven spirits of God, symbolize purity and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The 24 elders, adorned with crowns and white garments, represent the redeemed people of God, likely symbolizing both the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Their possession of golden harps and vials of odours suggests worship and intercession on behalf of humanity.
The four living creatures, with their distinctive forms—lion, calf, face of a man, and eagle—each with six wings and eyes all around them, are often interpreted as representing various aspects of creation and divine attributes.
At the center of it all is the slain Lamb of God, who sits upon the throne, holding the great book with seven seals. The seven horns and seven eyes symbolize his complete authority and omniscience, and his ability to open the seals signifies his role as the one who brings about the events foretold in the book.
This vision encapsulates the cosmic drama of redemption and judgment, portraying the culmination of God's plan for humanity and creation.
Five of the seven seals each have two sides. A metal seal on one side with deliberate design and the image of its contents on the other. The sixth seal is recreated out of glass and the seven seal is painted within the painting itself.
The opening of the first seal in the Book of Revelation unveils a white horse, symbolizing conquest or victory. The rider of this horse is often interpreted as representing various things, such as the spread of the gospel, the advance of conquest or conquest itself.
The imagery of the white horse, bow, and crown suggests a figure of power and authority, potentially bringing about significant changes or events in the world. The idea of conquest can encompass various forms, including military conquest, ideological dominance, or spiritual triumph.
The opening of the second seal unveils a red horse, symbolizing war. The rider of this horse wields a great sword, indicating the violence and bloodshed that accompanies conflict.
The red horse and its rider represent the outbreak of warfare and the turmoil it brings upon the earth. This imagery underscores the theme of global unrest and upheaval, illustrating the consequences of human sin and rebellion against God.
The third seal reveals a black horse, symbolizing famine. The rider of this horse carries a pair of scales in his hand, indicating the scarcity and economic distress that accompany periods of famine.
The imagery of the black horse and its rider represents the devastating impact of food shortages and hunger on society. Famine is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, often seen as a consequence of human sin and disobedience to God's laws.
The scales symbolize the careful weighing and rationing of food during times of scarcity, emphasizing the need for fairness and equity in distribution.
The opening of the fourth seal unveils a pale horse, commonly interpreted as representing death. The rider of this horse is named Death, and Hades follows him closely.
The pale horse and its rider symbolize the grim reality of mortality and the inevitability of death. This imagery underscores the idea that death is a universal experience, affecting all of humanity regardless of status or wealth.
The presence of Hades, the realm of the dead in Greek mythology, emphasizes the finality and irrevocability of death. Together, the pale horse and Hades represent the ultimate consequence of sin and the fallen nature of humanity.
The opening of the fifth seal unveils a poignant scene where John sees the souls of martyrs under the altar in Heaven. These martyrs are described as those who have been slain for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God.
The image of the souls of martyrs underscores the theme of persecution and suffering endured by faithful believers throughout history. These martyrs are depicted as crying out to God, asking for justice and vengeance for their blood that has been shed.
The mention of twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes of Israel symbolizes the completeness and totality of God's faithful witnesses. While this number may be symbolic rather than literal, it represents the idea of a multitude of believers from all nations and backgrounds who have remained faithful to God even unto death.
The opening of the sixth seal reveals a dramatic cosmic upheaval. The description includes the sun becoming black like sackcloth, the moon turning blood red, and the stars falling from the sky to the earth.
This imagery of celestial disturbances symbolizes cataclysmic events and upheaval on a global scale. The darkening of the sun, the reddening of the moon, and the falling stars evoke a sense of impending doom and judgment.
Finally the Seventh Seal and the cataclysmic events that unfold with the sounding of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation. Each trumpet blast heralds a new judgment upon the earth, bringing devastation and chaos.
The imagery of hail, fire, and blood destroying a third of the trees and grass, mountains being cast into the sea, and a great star named Wormwood poisoning the waters illustrates the severity of these judgments.
The falling stars, the key to the bottomless pit, and the emergence of locust-like creatures with terrifying features depict the unleashing of demonic forces upon the earth, bringing torment and suffering.
The appearance of an army of horsemen with supernatural abilities and the two witnesses who have power over nature highlight the ongoing conflict between good and evil in the cosmic drama of Revelation.
Finally, the mighty angel with a book in his hand, his voice like thunder, and the experience of John eating the book, which tastes sweet but turns bitter in his stomach, symbolize the proclamation and reception of God's word, which brings both comfort and judgment to humanity.
The vivid and symbolic language used in these passages underscores the spiritual warfare and divine intervention depicted in the Book of Revelation, as well as the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of evil.
The beast ascending from the bottomless pit with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns represents a powerful and malevolent force, often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive and tyrannical worldly powers.
The pregnant woman clothed in the sun, with the moon at her feet and a crown of twelve stars, is often understood to represent the people of God, particularly the faithful remnant of Israel. The eagle wings symbolize divine protection and deliverance, as the woman is taken to the wilderness, a place of refuge.
The imagery of the flood waters flowing out of the beast's mouth and the earth swallowing them up signifies the attempts of evil forces to overwhelm and destroy the people of God, but ultimately, they are thwarted by divine intervention and protection.
The imagery of this celestial battle underscores the ongoing spiritual warfare that transcends earthly realms. It symbolizes the rebellion of Satan and his followers against God's authority and the subsequent expulsion of the rebellious angels from heaven.
The war in heaven serves as a backdrop to the larger narrative of Revelation, highlighting the cosmic struggle between light and darkness, righteousness and wickedness. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and perseverance in the face of evil. The use of colour contrast in this artistic representations of the war in heaven serve to heighten the dramatic impact of the celestial conflict and convey deeper symbolic meaning.
This Beast, arising from the sea, symbolizes a force of evil and oppression that seeks to exert control and authority over humanity.
The seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns represent the Beast's dominion and influence over earthly kingdoms and rulers. The name of blasphemy upon his forehead signifies his defiance of God and his opposition to divine authority.
The composite appearance of the Beast, resembling a leopard, lion, and bear, suggests its ferocity and predatory nature.
The description of one of the Beast's heads being wounded to death and then healed is often interpreted as a parody or imitation of Christ's death and resurrection, symbolizing the deceptive nature of the Beast's power and the allure of false messiahs.
The angel with the keys to the bottomless pit binding the Beast and casting him into it represents the ultimate defeat and judgment of evil by divine authority. This act symbolises the triumph of righteousness over wickedness.
The Lamb of God, often identified with Jesus Christ, standing on Mount Zion with a group of 144,000 individuals who bear the Father's name on their foreheads.
This group of individuals, often referred to as the "redeemed," symbolizes the faithful followers of Christ who have been chosen and sealed by God for salvation. The mention of their virginity may symbolize their purity and devotion to God.
The Lamb holding the book of life underscores the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. The book of life contains the names of those who belong to God and have received eternal life through faith in Christ.
The music of heaven represents the worship and praise offered to God by the heavenly host. This celestial music is a reflection of the joy and celebration in heaven over the redemption of humanity through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The False Prophet emerging from the earth with two horns and bearing the mark of the Devil on his forehead symbolizes his allegiance to evil and his role in promoting the agenda of the Beast.
The imagery of the False Prophet speaking like a dragon underscores his alignment with Satan and his capacity for deception. By enticing people to worship the Beast and its image, the False Prophet leads humanity away from true worship of God and towards idolatry and spiritual deception.
The mention of frogs in the mouths of the False Prophet and the other beasts represents unclean spirits or demonic influences. This imagery draws upon the biblical symbolism of frogs as unclean animals associated with impurity and deceit.
The angel with a sickle gathering vines from the earth symbolizes the harvesting of the wicked for judgment. This imagery draws upon agricultural metaphors to convey the idea of separation and purification, as the grapes are gathered to be crushed in the winepress.
The winepress of God's wrath represents the divine judgment upon the wicked, wherein they will experience the full measure of God's righteous anger and judgment. The wine produced from this press symbolizes the punishment and suffering that will be inflicted upon those who have chosen to worship the Devil and reject God.
The mention of fire and brimstone underscores the severity and intensity of the punishment that awaits the wicked. This imagery is often associated with divine judgment and destruction, symbolizing the torment and agony that will be experienced by those who have chosen to follow the path of evil.
The white cloud symbolizes the glory and majesty of Christ's coming, as well as his authority over the heavens and the earth. The golden crown signifies his sovereignty and kingship as the ruler of all creation.
The sharp sickle represents the instrument of harvest, emphasizing Christ's role in separating the righteous from the wicked and gathering his faithful followers to himself. This imagery draws upon agricultural metaphors to convey the idea of final judgment and the gathering of souls at the end of time.
The depiction of the Whore sitting on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns symbolizes the alliance between spiritual and political powers that oppose God's kingdom. The Whore's opulent attire and luxurious adornments represent the seductive allure of worldly wealth and power, which leads people astray from true worship of God.
The golden cup in her hand full of abomination signifies the corruption and spiritual pollution that characterize Babylon and its deceptive influence over the nations.
The beast turning against the Whore and consuming her flesh symbolizes the ultimate betrayal and destruction of worldly powers by the forces of evil.
The angels bringing plagues upon Babylon and the subsequent fall of the great city in one day symbolize the swift and decisive judgment of God upon human wickedness and rebellion.
The casting of a millstone into the sea by a mighty angel represents the finality and inevitability of Babylon's destruction, as well as the certainty of divine judgment upon all who oppose God's kingdom.
The white horse symbolizes victory, purity, and the triumphant return of Christ. The rider, identified as Jesus Christ, is described as faithful and true, emphasizing his faithfulness to his promises and his absolute righteousness.
The eyes aflame suggest the penetrating gaze of divine judgment, as Christ sees and knows all things. The many crowns on his head signify his sovereignty and authority over all earthly powers and kingdoms.
The white vesture dipped in blood symbolizes both Christ's purity and his role as the sacrificial Lamb whose blood was shed for the redemption of humanity. The sharp sword proceeding from his mouth represents the power of his word, which is both a source of judgment and a means of defense against spiritual enemies.
The inscription on his thigh, "King of Kings, Lord of Lords," declares Christ's supreme authority and rulership over all creation.
The imagery of Christ riding out with many following him signifies the gathering of his faithful followers and the establishment of his kingdom on earth.
The twelve gates with twelve angels standing on twelve foundations symbolize the completeness and perfection of God's divine plan for salvation. The names of the apostles inscribed at the base of the gates and the presence of the angels signify the role of God's chosen messengers in proclaiming the gospel and ushering believers into the kingdom of heaven.
The street of gold before the pearly gates represents the purity and richness of the heavenly realm, highlighting the glory and magnificence of God's dwelling place.
Inside the heavenly city, a river of gold flows, symbolising the abundance and eternal blessings of God's presence. The tree of life bearing twelve manner of fruits represents the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life for all who dwell in the heavenly city.
Overall, this vision of the heavenly city in Revelation serves as a depiction of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to his faithful followers. It inspires believers to look forward with hope and anticipation to the day when they will dwell in the presence of God in the New Jerusalem, experiencing the fullness of joy and eternal blessings for all eternity.
With this final touch, the piece reaches its culmination—a culmination of meticulous planning and ingenious design. Every aspect, every detail, has been carefully considered and crafted with intentionality.
While the surface may seem to tell the whole story, there are layers upon layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered. Hidden within the intricate web of imagery lie untold tales, waiting to be discovered by those who delve deeper.
In essence, this piece is not merely a static creation, but a living, breathing testament to the power of storytelling through art. It invites viewers to engage with it, to unravel its mysteries and unlock its hidden depths.
I am the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end.
In the vibrant tapestry of human expression, the brushstrokes of free speech dance upon the canvas of society, creating a kaleidoscope of ideas, opinions, and perspectives. Just as Jupigio's artwork boldly embraces the spectrum of colors, so too does free speech invite the full spectrum of human thought.
In the realm of free speech, every stroke of discourse contributes to the masterpiece of democracy, weaving together a mosaic of voices, each adding depth and richness to the collective narrative. Like the bold lines and intricate patterns in Jupigio's art, free speech encompasses the intricacies of diverse viewpoints, allowing for the interplay of dissent and agreement, challenge and affirmation.
Yet, just as Jupigio's art is not without its critics, so too does free speech invite scrutiny and debate. In the marketplace of ideas, conflicting perspectives collide, generating friction that ignites the flames of progress. Through this creative tension, society evolves, shedding light on blind spots and fostering understanding amidst discord.
But like any masterpiece, the freedom of expression requires stewardship. Just as Jupigio carefully selects each hue and shade, so too must we exercise responsibility in our speech, mindful of the impact our words may have on others. For true freedom is not merely the absence of restraint, but the conscious choice to wield our voices with integrity and empathy.
In the spirit of Jupigio's art, let us celebrate the beauty of diversity in thought, embracing the cacophony of voices that echo through the corridors of free speech. For it is in this symphony of discourse that the true essence of humanity finds its expression, transcending boundaries and inspiring generations to come.