Sacred Icons - Jordan Peterson
One in a series of five portraits including JK Rowling, Elon Musk, Pete Evans and Kanye West.
Mortals given sainthood. Modern celebrities mirror religious icons, being given incredible status and power. These figures are not people worthy of any particular praise, they are simply people.
These particular figures all hold some deeply problematic views, from bigotry, to arrogance, to conspiracy theories. However it’s undeniable that they all carry power in their words, that people will follow as if canonical truth and doctrine. They present ideas that seem admirable on the surface but they disguise ideas that cause harm.
I invite viewers to have a deep look at the symbols layered in the artwork as a critique of these celebrities, and encourage them to use the same critical eye to spot the problematic language and dog whistles given out by many public figures.
Jordan Peterson is a psychologist whose words help inspire many young men, however he often vilifies any progressive movements and defends traditional societal roles.
Watercolour, acrylic and gold-leaf on canvas
Width - 305mm (round)
One in a series of five portraits including JK Rowling, Elon Musk, Pete Evans and Kanye West.
Mortals given sainthood. Modern celebrities mirror religious icons, being given incredible status and power. These figures are not people worthy of any particular praise, they are simply people.
These particular figures all hold some deeply problematic views, from bigotry, to arrogance, to conspiracy theories. However it’s undeniable that they all carry power in their words, that people will follow as if canonical truth and doctrine. They present ideas that seem admirable on the surface but they disguise ideas that cause harm.
I invite viewers to have a deep look at the symbols layered in the artwork as a critique of these celebrities, and encourage them to use the same critical eye to spot the problematic language and dog whistles given out by many public figures.
Jordan Peterson is a psychologist whose words help inspire many young men, however he often vilifies any progressive movements and defends traditional societal roles.
Watercolour, acrylic and gold-leaf on canvas
Width - 305mm (round)
One in a series of five portraits including JK Rowling, Elon Musk, Pete Evans and Kanye West.
Mortals given sainthood. Modern celebrities mirror religious icons, being given incredible status and power. These figures are not people worthy of any particular praise, they are simply people.
These particular figures all hold some deeply problematic views, from bigotry, to arrogance, to conspiracy theories. However it’s undeniable that they all carry power in their words, that people will follow as if canonical truth and doctrine. They present ideas that seem admirable on the surface but they disguise ideas that cause harm.
I invite viewers to have a deep look at the symbols layered in the artwork as a critique of these celebrities, and encourage them to use the same critical eye to spot the problematic language and dog whistles given out by many public figures.
Jordan Peterson is a psychologist whose words help inspire many young men, however he often vilifies any progressive movements and defends traditional societal roles.
Watercolour, acrylic and gold-leaf on canvas
Width - 305mm (round)