Weapons of "Mass" Destruction: Upcoming Art Show Brings Together Pistols and Prayer

Online, August 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - SEATTLE, WA (August 17, 2010) - Controversial Oklahoma artist Marilyn Artus will feature her latest work in Seattle, with artist Annie Huntley in a collaborative show at Ghost Gallery, August 20-22, 2010.

Marilyn Artus found herself in the middle of a firestorm of angry comments and debates when she premiered her latest artwork featuring religious icons and weapons. People all across the world took note, calling her and her artwork offensive, sac religious, disrespectful...even, according to one viewer, "what the devil would think about doing". This Friday, with the media and protestors knocking at her door, Artus will take religious icons and weapons to the next level and will be joining artist Annie Huntley who shares the same interests.

The controversial series by Artus, entitled "Our Lady of the Anti-Personnel Weapon and her Stepford Friends", features mixed media collages that depict the Virgin Mary holding a weapon - a combination that would likely stir up protests anywhere, but particularly in middle-of-the-Bible-Belt Oklahoma City. The local Fox news affiliate, Fox 25, featured the story first; two days later, Spanish-language network Univision flew a reporter to Oklahoma City to cover it - and the hate mail and protests began.

"I am exploring the crossroads where religion, femininity and mass media converge. By using iconic images of women - from blessed virgins to pin-up queens - and reinterpreting their place in a brutal, hyper-masculine, modern America, I'm creating a juxtaposition that makes perfect sense." It also made perfect sense to Artus to collaborate with Huntley.

Much of the Seattle designer's jewelry also features religious icons and feminine objects with seemingly contradictory objects such as weapons. "The objects that I use in my pieces are unique, beautiful and sometimes odd. I look at each one as a chance to tell a story, start a conversation, or perhaps ask a question," Huntley says, "my jewelry is a fusion of creativity, curiosity and adventure."

Marilyn Artus' latest artwork continues to stir emotions with over 5000 thousands emails protesting events where her work is displayed and the number continues to grow. "It was never about being 'controversial' for Marilyn." stated Cory Allen, a spokesman for Artus. "Marilyn and Annie are creating art their way and everyone else that is judging it, is stuck on the religious attributes."

The show featuring Artus and Huntley sets in motion Friday, August 20th, with an opening reception from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ghost Gallery is located at 504 E. Denny Way at the intersection of Summit and Olive. For more information, contact Ghost Gallery at [email protected].

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Media Contact - Public Relations
Cory Allen
[email protected]
405-201-3910