LAST FLAME

Can we forgive those who hurt us?

Last Flame, 2007 & 2026
Marble, onyx, wax and candle
Unique work
H20 x W90 x D20cm
© Mark Humphrey

“LAST FLAME DRAWS ON LEONARDO DA VINCI’S PAINTING THE LAST SUPPER, TRANSFORMING ITS THIRTEEN FIGURES INTO CANDLESTICKS REPRESENTING CHRIST, JUDAS AND THE DISCIPLES. THE WHITE MARBLE REPRESENTS CHRIST, WHILE JUDAS HOLDS THE BLOOD-RED, UNLIT CANDLE. THE MARBLE AND ONYX MATERIALS DISTINGUISH THE FIGURES AROUND THE TABLE – THOSE WHO KNEW, THOSE WHO DID NOT, AND THOSE WHO SIMPLY FOLLOWED.

SET UPON A CROSS-SHAPED TABLE PLINTH OF RED WAX, THE DRIPPING SURFACE EVOKES THE WOUNDED BODY. THE UNLIT CANDLE IS SUSPENDED BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS, FORGIVENESS AND RETRIBUTION. LIKE A FUSE WAITING TO BE LIT, IT BECOMES THE MOMENT BEFORE CONSEQUENCE – A SPARK THAT COULD ILLUMINATE OR IGNITE.”

Mark Humphrey