motivation behind series

Depictions of the Last Judgement are always so grandiose in scale that we often watch this classic scene unfold as distant observers. Both in literature and art, this momentous event is viewed detached from the souls passing through this “divine” intervention. However, my interpretation of this classic tale is shown from the soul’s perspective. One who’s passing through their final judgement.

The Last Judgment is perhaps one of the most fascinating plots within the Abrahamic religions. It is the final judgment carried out by the supreme deity on humanity. Whose purpose it is to separate the “righteous” from the “sinners.”

And more often than not, the distance between us and the events that transpire is not merely physical; it is temporal. Our judgement-day will happen someday. And when it does, hopefully we are among the lucky ones selected for an eternal life in paradise.

Naturally, such a significant action has an incredibly rich iconography. Differing in denomination,  region, and interpretations.

Yet each time we see this story, we are presented with a generic scene. Depicting these actions and figures of judgement in greater or lesser detail. From a distance, detached.

This thought struck me when I was reading Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. At The very last part of his story, Chaucer quotes Saint Anselm:

“There shall the stern and angry judge sit above, and under him the horrible pit of hell open to destroy him that must acknowledge his sins, which sins openly are showed before God and before every creature; and in the left side more devils than heart can imagine, for to harass and draw the sinful souls to the pain of hell; and within the hearts of folk shall be the biting conscience, and outside shall be the world all burning.”

Much like Chaucer, most literary works of the Last Judgement convey similar emotional and physical distances. And what a grotesque and hysterical way to describe meeting the Creator who founded all that exists.

This caricature, almost schizophrenic dichotomy is astonishing. Compared to this judge, who condemns his own children, the inhabitants of hell almost evoke sympathy in comparison.  

That’s why I portrayed Last Judgement I as rather touching and comical. While juxtaposition the soul’s perspective with the more intimidating presence of God in Last Judgement II.