Art Exhibition: Dexter Brightman: Enigmatic Visions: Communion Through Esoteric Imagery

October 13, 2023

For those who are unable to see in person - or wish to revisit - Dexter Brightman's work in our exhibit space at the CSWR, we have created a photographic, web-based story that showcases his artwork and includes brief descriptions from the artist that the elucidate philosophical and esoteric inspirations behind each piece.

Artist Statement: "The allure of magical grimoires, alchemical manuals, and allegorical emblemata is deeply captivating. Their exquisite, symbolic arrangements and surreal scenes draw us in with their fantastical elements and wondrous imagery. These complex symbologies communicate in subtle languages, passing wisdom from teacher to pupil and peer to peer across time. Even to those not privy to the secret codes, these images beckon our subconscious to rise to the surface.

In this collection, I present pieces inspired by the engraving and incunabula schools of the 16th to 17th centuries. Some works are reinterpretations of classic alchemical motifs like the "Rebis," "Green Lion," and "Black Sun." Others delve into original concepts utilizing symbolic language traditions, such as "Triad," "Scientia," and "The Garden of Hermes." Themes like platonism, hermeticism, spiritual alchemy, and altered states of consciousness recur frequently in my art."

	Rebis, the Divine Androgyne. The Rebis represents the culmination of the alchemical magnum opus, the great work. Following the stages of putrefaction and purification, where opposing qualities are separated, they are eventually united in this final transformation. Union of Hermes and Aphrodite.
	Allegory Of Knowledge: The icon bears symbols of knowledge; a flame (held by wings representing a specific, spiritual knowledge,) an apple (earthly), and a serpent's bite (chthonic.) She is elevated atop a vast ocean symbolizing the spiritual world.

	The Garden of Hermes represents an inner, elevated retreat. A walled garden of harmony, attained through mastery of the ego, the relinquishment of fleeting desires in exchange for the fruits of transcendent knowledge, and a profound connection with nature. The seeker passes freely across earthly and spiritual dimensions via their own music of reflection and self-expression.
	The Morning Star, the lightbringer, has taken on many identities, from Ishtar, to Aphrodite, Venus, Lucifer and Jesus. The goddess strides through a tree stripped of its fruit, encircled by a coiled serpent.
	Triads: A vision of reality inspired by Neoplatonic philosophy revolves around triadic unions. This includes the union of Nature and the earthly body ascending towards the immortal spirit, overseen by seven watchers, unified above with Pneuma, Logos and Nous.

	Untitled (Orphic Myth): Inspired by various tellings of the Orphic creation myth, Nyx (Night) emerges as the primordial void, uniting with Lux (Light) who manifests out of the profound desire for being embodied by Eros, catalyzing the act of creation.
	The Green Lion: A stage dreaded by the rational intellect, which is engulfed and devoured by primal instincts, desires, and fears. However, if this process is successfully navigated, one emerges purified with mastery over both the intellect and instinct.
	Temptation of Saint Anthony: The Temptation of Saint Anthony is a frequently depicted subject in art and literature. It depicts the supernatural temptations said to have assailed Saint Anthony during his time in the Egyptian desert).
	Ad Oblivionem: At the ultimate crossroads, at the end of life's journey, a final bite of gnosis grants the spirit a return to its celestial home, merging into obliteration through reunion.
	Putrefactio, or negredo, is a crucial step in alchemical transformation, involving one's spiritual dissolution, the dark night of the soul, leading to the discovery of the core 'prima materia' – the fundamental substance of transformation. Following this experience, one may be reborn in a psychological baptism by fire.