THE BOOK OF DONALD

Fifth Gospel of the Apocrypha

Every religion has a set of canonical scriptures, passed down through the ages and recorded for posterity. Including these selections in painstakingly crafted illuminated manuscripts aided religious indoctrination by turning simple words into valuable ceremonial artifacts. In a bid for power and fame, many prominent members of society honed in on this tradition, such a way as to advance their own ambitions. If challenged, they could always cite the indisputable Bible as support for their actions.

This work highlights populist politicians’ use of social media by superimposing current ephemeral and easily created digital manuscripts of the early centuries. In a technique eerily reminiscent to leaders of yore, the current author highlights, distorts, or diminishes facts and news sources via digital mediums in an effort to sway “followers”.

The Book of Donald itself is enthroned upon a gold lectern, raising it from a simple book to an elaborate tome. Unlike the time consuming process of manuscript illumination, The Book of Donald can express the thoughts and opinions of its chief author contemporaneously with each post. These instant updates allow followers to be reached without delay, swaying opinion with every push notification.

2020, Mixed media, 4’x2’x4’