The Evangelical Temple of Dystopia aka Boys and their Toys Shoot Themselves in the Foot – 2026

H144 x W89 cm

Christian Nationalism has appropriated the symbol of the Cross of Jerusalem previously associated with the Crusaders of the Middle Ages.

The five-starred symbol is positioned prominently on the central column of the Temple advertising the ecclesiastical nature of the structure. The entire edifice is architecturally comprised of incendiary devices, some resembling intercontinental ballistic missiles. The entrance is flanked by two oversized bullets standing sentry duty. In receding order behind the polished surface of the cartridges, are projectiles in recognizable colours and National symbols which together, gather in one tight-packed cluster. They are united in their bellicosity, each based on some form of Nation-State ideology, underpinned almost always on Theocratic principles. The supporting buttresses are interlaced with negative-shaped bullet apertures and double as fins for the projectiles.

Wars are often precipitated through the manipulation and exploitation of ideological differences. Interfactional conflicts of the three major Abrahamic Faiths have featured predominantly as the causes of war over the past few millennia.

An ornately-tiled surface orthogonally leads to the entrance where an idolatrous sculpture is positioned within the negative bullet shaped entrance – welcoming the devotee. This features two revolvers inverted also forming an arch and these are aimed at the feet in the shoes below. Beyond this is a raging inferno – the crux or point of this hallowed place of worship. The flames fan-out to both left and right escaping into the atmosphere.

The Cross of Jerusalem aptly morphs into a veritable swarm of Drones filling the picture plane.