Artist Statement

Religious devotion has been used as a vehicle or source of hate, manifested through discrimination. Purgatory pays homage to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel fresco The Last Judgment 1536–41, reflecting the structure of the mural, which tells the story of Christ's second coming. Skinless figures mimic the figures from the mural, and surround the Pope, who replaces the central figure of Christ in the original painting. The Pope stands as an authority figure of a corrupt religion, in contrast to Christ, who is seen as a figure of hope.

About the Artist

Name: Max Goudie-Park
School: Meridan State College
Artwork: Purgatory
Media: Synthetic polymer paint, markers, screen prints on canvas

I hope to pursue a career in fine art by studying and producing work at QUT. My work is inspired by artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Damien Hirst, to name a few. Growing up in an internet age, my cultural influences are largely western, and I learn a lot from music, film and art via the internet. The opportunity to be a part of this exhibition is life-changing, as art teaches us the fundamentals of being human.