PHIL MAXWELL

Has art driven major social and political change in the 21st century? Possibly not, but it has certainly provided an alternative to the status quo support for war and a system that upholds discrimination, social and climate injustice. Art is a powerful tool for communicating an alternative vision of the world and accelerating change. I remember in the 1960s and 70s having a visceral fear of the threat of nuclear war. I never believed the rhetoric of those who’ve argued that nuclear weapons have kept us all safe from war. Nuclear weapons have never protected the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen or Palestine from war.

In January 2022 the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock at 100 seconds to midnight. At that time, they called out Ukraine as a potential flashpoint in an increasingly tense international security landscape. For many years, they have warned that the most likely way nuclear weapons might be used is through an unwanted or unintended escalation from a conventional conflict. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought this nightmare scenario to life, with Russian President Vladimir Putin threatening to elevate nuclear alert levels and even first use of nuclear weapons if NATO steps in to help Ukraine. This is what 100 seconds to midnight looks like.

This Photomontage uses an x-ray photograph of an acient Egyptian skull that has been mummified. Mummification was designed to enable members of the Egyptian elite to survive death and enjoy the afterlife. Nuclear war will signal the death of all life on earth. The idea of surviving a nuclear war resonates with the same mytholygy of ancient Egypt. Nuclear bunkers for the super rich will only ensure a slow lingering death. I made this work as a contribution to the anti-war movement.

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