Gates of Purgatory

R.L. Frisby is a self taught artist based in Tulsa who creates complex and obsessively rendered bio-mechanical compositions. They often feature a centralized image surrounded by complicated patterns. While obviously giving a nod to the master of the genre, HR Giger, Frisby’s work is more colorful and has an enigmatic puzzle like quality to it. 

Use your inductive reasoning and have a look at his other work on his MySpace page.

Häxan (1922)

Witches cavorting naked with lusty devils, a baby drained of blood and tossed into a stew, women lined up to kiss Satan’s bulbous ass and demonic orgies are all depicted in the 1922 film Häxan. Benjamin Christensen’s legendary movie explores the history of witchcraft and its persecution in a semi-documentary form. Its bold depictions of torture, madness, and carnality made this film very controversial at the time of its release. Consequently it was banned outside of Sweden for decades and until recently was only released in edited versions.

A few years back Criterion finally released Häxan on dvd with the censored footage restored, a corrected “projection” speed and a new score that recreates the music played at the original Danish premiere. The disk also included some great extras like the 1968 William Burroughs narrarated version with it’s ridiculous jazz soundtrack. 

It is personal favorite of mine and in its original form Häxan is truly a black-and-white masterpiece of silent horror that will not disappoint. Pick it up at Amazon or if you are too cheap you can download it on Archive.org.

Third Eye

Wayne Martin Belger constructs sacred photographic machines that he then uses to capture kindred imagery. These constructions are essentially handmade pinhole cameras that are assembled from relics and custom machined parts. These cameras have a sacred mystical feel to them and seem to be imbued with the spiritual presence of the relics.

The image above is of a camera he calls “Third Eye”, it is constructed of Aluminium, Titanium, Brass, Silver, Gem Stones and a 150 year old skull of a 13 year old girl. Light enters the hole in the center of the skull and exposes the film. The hole is positioned in the location traditionally considered the third eye, often believed to be the gate that leads within to realms of higher consciousness. To view the world through the third eye is to see things from an enlightened point of view. Belger wants the images to be “processed” through the dead girls “enlightened” view instead of his own personal photographic  vision. This creates a unique relationship between artist and medium. Read the full post