Two Minutes to Midnight

This is the story of my fourth shadow box, one with a 'deeper message'. A shadow box that grew as it was being created, and became something of a warning to us all...

This is the tale of a piece of artwork that even got its name 'as it developed', changing several times, twisting and turning until it truly was:

The original idea was to create a small, 'creepy' shadow box depicting a guillotine in an otherwise empty room, and not much else, really. 

But, as I worked my way through countless sample pictures, and studied literature on this infamous and gruesome instrument of execution, the original idea morphed into something completely different.

The guillotine now became nothing less than a symbol for the fate of whole Mankind, which is represented by a poacher, tied to a chair, facing execution.

Note that a poacher is something else than a hunter! In my view, Mankind's greed and misuse of our planet's natural resources resembles the actions of the former, rather than the latter, whose actions can actually be beneficial.

The various animals which populate the scene represent Nature, and are at the same time the victims, the judges, and the executioners of Mankind: the apex predator who preys on Nature, until Nature finally and inescapably turns back on him, and the hunter suddenly becomes the hunted...

The hare preparing the guillotine shows a malicious grin. He has no doubt whatsoever on what the fate of the poacher should be...

The badgers are discussing the situation, seemingly disagreeing with one another, while, behind them, a mysterious, unidentified bird sits in the shadows, watching in silence.

There is a phone, which is always present in every execution room in the United States, where the death penalty still exists, and which theoretically could bring salvation to the convicted by means of a last-minute pardon by the President. 

However, this phone is off the hook, which is symbolic for the impending doom for Mankind, who cannot expect ‘a last call from Above’ to save it.  

Next to the table, in a corner, a dusty pile of files containing Mankind's sins, bear witness to the tragic event unfolding before our eyes.

The clock on the wall tells us that it’s ‘two minutes to midnight’, referring to the urgency of the situation.

Mankind, aware of its precarious situation, seems to be trying to gain the sympathy of the bear, a former victim of his ruthless behavior, as the clock on the wall ticks on…  Will the bear listen..?

I must admit that, as I worked on this project, I couldn’t help but to feel pity for this poacher, who seems repentant as his final hour draws near. A feeling of sadness descended upon me, a sadness and pity for all of us. After all, we are Mankind, it's you, it's me, it's us.... 

Then came a glimmer of hope: the thought that, perhaps, it’s still not too late…  

The execution has not taken place yet, hence, who knows, Mankind can somehow still escape its fate, and live happily ever after, in unison with Nature! Does the answer to that question lie in the bears eye... what do you see in there..?

Let us pray that we, Mankind, will still be able to turn the switch....

About the miniatures

Same as with previous projects, just about every item, including the guillotine and the animals, was designed and made by me. This was also the first project where I used electricity.  It's in the shape of a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the shadow box. 

I also experimented with tubing and spider webs, which were a lot of fun to do!

Thanks for visiting. Be well!!

"Two Minutes to Midnight" (2017, shadow box, 12x7,5x3 inch).

© José Pereira Torrejón. All rights reserved. No part of the content of this blog may be published or reproduced without prior, written authorization from the author.