Prey for the Sinners

Referencing Donatello's David, which sexualizes a young David (of the David and Goliath story), this piece is a modern reinterpretation of the original, with David conquering his Goliath. The piece is rich with catholic symbolism and vivid mythical imagery.⁠

This piece was created during the first Covid lock down, I had read that this lock down was incredibly hard on victim's of abuse as they were locked in with their abusers. Upon reading this, I began thinking about the years of abuse in the Catholic church and the history that has been coming to light over the past years. I imagine the effect this abuse must have on the victims and how many of them survive this and do so with strength. This piece is a testament to that idea.

Each element is representative of different ideas. The deflating snake balloon represents the conquering of the religious perception of 'evil'. The golden flaccid sword represents the impotent power that the abusers attempt to possess. The stuffed bleeding lamb represents the imaginary sacrifice of those abusers in the catholic church and the cover up which has allowed them to exist. The school boy outfit gives context and innocence to the figure.

Like most of my work, the figurative components are sculpted from hot glass and assembled together with clothing coated in epoxy resin. The snake and sword and additional elements are made from cast and applied acrylic. The lamb is a found and altered object.

Photo: Mike Van Cleven