Dungeon of Death 1993

Editor: Ken Kelly's "Dungeon of Death," painted in 1993 using oil, immediately strikes me as powerfully oppressive. The sheer muscularity of the central figure chained in place, the darkness, and those grotesque figures lurking in the background… it's a lot. How would you interpret this work? Curator: As a materialist, I'm drawn to the production of fantasy. This isn't high art hanging in gilded frames; it's commercial illustration, made to sell something, likely a book or a game. Oil paint romanticizes an idea, but it takes human labour to extract pigments, mix the colors, create canvas and prepare it for art making. This image’s fantasy has direct ties to labor—that of the artist and perhaps the viewer who finds themself stuck in the idea that masculine strength can only solve their problem, which has material conditions for both existing, Editor: So, the focus on hyper-masculinity connects to its creation and intended audience? Are you suggesting the glorification of male power distracts from socioeconomic realities? Curator: Exactly. The emphasis on the hero's physique and his struggle within a 'dungeon' overshadows the chain's significance – mass-produced, identical links, devoid of individual craftsmanship. It speaks to the homogenization of fantasy, of escapism manufactured and distributed for profit. Think about what those monsters represent to our hero… he likely made money fighting them too. Editor: That makes me consider how the fantasy genre’s popular right now as a way for audiences to feel good about themselves during a period of unrest and unease. But, isn't all art made to distract from socio-economic woes? Curator: Not necessarily 'distraction', but perhaps 'negotiation'. "Dungeon of Death" certainly participates in the cycle of production, consumption, and, dare I say, oppression through fantasy. Editor: I see what you mean, now! The piece's inherent connection to consumerism provides it with an extra layer of intrigue. I’ll never see oil painting or even fantasy in the same light.