Weeks ago I gave money to some cultists who were passing out colorful flyers by the roadside.
Now, don’t panic.
I gave only change from my ashtray – no large denominations. If recollection serves me, my hand quickly grabbed some thirty-seven cents. I gave them some change because I wanted their flyer or small poster—in the world of print media, I’m uncertain where colorful flyer ends and small, colorful poster begins.
As I approached the traffic light, I could see one man gripping something colorful and interesting, so for a quick nod, a smile, and some thirty-seven cents, I received a print of the Apocalypse and a man’s genuine blessing. After witnessing the man’s conviction while standing in the August heat, I felt almost ashamed of my small offering.
As a child, the Book of Revelation haunted and delighted me. At one point, I dreamed of the Second Coming night after terrifying night. And in these dreams, I was always left behind while the rest of my family ascended into heaven, so you can imagine how pleased I was when I discovered that my thirty-something cents bought me a painting of the Apocalypse.
The painting is an insanely airbrushed Apocalypse—far too literal and soft focused.
My vision of the Apocalypse revealed my peculiar fears, insecurities, and anxieties. And this painting certainly is not the Apocalypse of my deeams—this painting has a confidence and clarity I find most peculiar and most terrifying.
©2005 Kent Gutschke. All rights reserved.
MARTIAN DEATH RAY 