In 2015, Salt Lake City will play host to the World Congress of Families. This extreme and hateful group has been reviled for its anti-gay views and is listed on the Southern Poverty Law Centers "Hate Group" list. 

 

Many in the Salt Lake area are offended that this group is being hosted in their beautiful metropolis. In the words of one resident, it has cast a shadow across their city. 

 

In solidarity, I've created "The Mark of the Beast". While this is not Salt Lake, it is an idealized city that represents any city where evangelical hate and extremism dwell. 

 

The shadow of a great cross falls menacingly across the heart of this city, casting it into darkness where only a few small lights still glimmer in desperation. 

 

Around this darkness eating away at the urban center are beautiful structures dedicated to art and education. Museums are plentiful, sculptures are found throughout, and even the Catholics and the Muslims sit in peace across from each other, both a Mosque and a Cathedral enhancing the beauty of this metropolitan area. As in any city though, there is also urban decay, and the remains of the projects loom in the east.

 

It is not a perfect city, but it lives in harmony. Yet the darkness threatens it like a brooding storm.

 

 

 

This piece is constructed on a custom 8 foot high canvas. It is 4 feet across. The piece is a wall hanging, not a table piece. It uses a 3" deep ribbed frame built strong enough to hang on any wall. 

 

The main construction materials are dry foam so even though the piece is large it still weighs less than 20 pounds. Other materials include clay, tile, found objects and moss. 

 

Some of its more unusual features include:

 

- A construction pit where the canvas was removed and replaced with an inset hole to create the illusion of a building under construction. 

 

- A raised waterfall and urban park located on the top of a hotel.

 

- Two grottos on either side of the Cathedral.

 

- A Mosque made from the remains of a mosaic glass candle holder.

 

- A condominium made from the remains of a termite infested piece of a wood.

 

- Factories with smoke plumes made from polyfill.

 

There are many secrets hidden in this sculpture. Some are subtle while others are glaring at you.