The Collar

"The Collar" — both literal and figurative.

The priest wears his collar as a symbol, an affectation that denotes authority and as an announcement of piety and affiliation with the tenets and structure of the Church. He's silencing the boy from having his own thoughts and preventing him from disclosing any damaging "secrets". He's also cupping the guy's genitalia, repressing his sexuality whilst also claiming the prerogative to handle those body parts as he sees fit. His belt is undone to indicate that his motives aren't benign. I made the priest somewhat attractive, not particularly villainous, as the Church does create an inviting environment to lure in the congregation. The mysteries, the rituals, the ecclesiastic exclusiveness and the power to determine the behaviors that ensure eternal salvation, these are the bait used to assure the compliance of the congregants. The boy's collar shows that he is owned, that he is a captive, that he does not have free will. One hand is braced on the priest's leg for the support offered by the Church, the other is hidden because it's holding the just-discovered illicit agenda. The priest is whispering in the guy's ear, insisting on trust and obedience. 

— Michael Kirwan

The Collar — March 19th, 2012 — 9" x 12½"

This work of art was created for a gallery showing exhibition titled:

UNCENSORED:  Queer Art and the Church

at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art