Pluto
Oil on Canvas
24” x 36”
The first of three deities I have synthesized in my “cult of self.” Pluto is a representation of the erotic and unhinged self. Adorned with chains, piercings, and tattoos, the deity also draws on the Roman god Pluto’s attributes of death, wealth, minerals, and the underworld. The ram skull has occult associations and is largely looked down upon by devout members of the church. I like to think of Pluto as an alter ego of sorts that allows me to embrace and amplify the aspects of my personality that would be looked down upon if I were still involved in religious circles. As I have gotten older, I have learned to embrace and amplify this side of myself and approach my interests and affinities unapologetically.
Images: Wes Magyar
Lazarus
Oil on Canvas
36” x 48”
The second of three deities I have synthesized in my “cult of self.” Lazarus personifies the ability to rise from struggle and become reborn as a stronger vessel. In biblical myth, Lazarus was resurrected by Jesus after being dead for four days. He was the first instance where Christ was able to overpower “the most irresistible enemy of humanity: death.” The deer skull, meanwhile has associations with spirituality, renewal, and the space between body and spirit. With four antlers to reiterate the four days postmortem before resurrection, the skull implies otherworldliness for its animal of origin is not known to exist on an earthly plane. Finally, the hand gestures convey blessing and sanctification (right) and perfection (left). Fully adorned in chains and pearls and depicted in mono-blue, Lazarus is the embodiment of the resilience and empowerment that I see in myself.
Orcus
Oil on Canvas
24” x 36”
The third of three deities I have synthesized in my “cult of self.” In Roman and Etruscan myth, Orcus is the punisher of broken oaths. Later conflated with the Roman god Pluto as a ruler of the underworld, Orcus was seen as an embodiment of death. Meanwhile, the bull skull has associations with protection, courage, and tenacity. Acting as a a twin and counterpart to Pluto, my rendition of Orcus epitomizes the resilience I have had to adopt and the necessity to cut ties with those who do not support me unconditionally.
