War in Heaven and Peace on Earth
[2004-2006]
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"2nd Fall pt3: Becoming Mortal", 44"x24", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"2nd Fall pt1: Giants Devouring", 44"x24", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"2nd Fall pt2: Taking a Wife", 64"x28", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"Acts pt1: Sorcery and Astrology", 44"x24", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"Acts pt2: Revealing Secrets", 64"x28", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"Acts pt3: Introducing Weapons", 44"x24", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"Judgments pt3: Death of the Bastards", 48"x40", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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"Judgments pt1: Azazel's Bondage", 48"x40", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
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sold out 🔴
"Judgments pt2: Ran Through", 48"x64", silver gelatin photogram, 2006, one of a kind, Shawn Saumell
artist statement
According to Judeo-Christian scripture, the first inhabitant of Earth is said to be Lucifer, followed by his legions, cast out of heaven over pride. There was another war to follow this one. This time, it was with Azazel, and his legions, over lust and sharing divine secrets with humans. At this time, even more angels or watchers, are said to be banished from heaven after breeding with humans. This life-sized black and white photogram series of composite pieces documents and illustrates the two divine falls, acts, and judgments of the angels.
The theological and spiritual subjects of this photogram series underscore the basic elements of war: cause and affect, purpose, politics, reasoning, action and reaction, and aftermath. War has plagued humankind since the beginning of time and continues to this day. What is 'just cause' or valid grounds for war? What is accomplished by war? How much knowledge and understanding is lost through the ignorance of war? Is war a human or divine invention? If heaven cannot escape war, then what chance do we stand on Earth? If heavenly entities are flawed or imperfect, then is humankind inherently damned? Humankind is supposed to be an ongoing progression and succession, but what hope is left for the future of the earth in times of greed, destruction, and war?Â
These are all questions that we must ask ourselves to understand what is constantly going on in the world; what our history is built on, what our present is enduring, and the fate of our existence through our actions against one another. Through this one-of-a-kind photogramic angel series we can gaze into a history of mysticism, as well as the future it prophesied. These pieces illustrate the all too familiar fundamentals and elements of war and the inevitable horrible outcomes.