"Unfathomable Humanity”

by Lisdebertus aka Luis Delgado

Edition of 10 numbered prints, 14 Plates, pigment ink on 100% rag paper.20” x 24” & 36” x 40” ©2005

A World of Hurt

By Sharon Mizota , 2006

At first glance, Unfathomable Humanity may seem like an irresponsible work of art. This series of photo collages appropriates images from a variety of sources without regard for context or attribution. It freely mixes images of torture, murder, and mutilation with portraits of some of the most powerful and influential men in world history. However, Lisdebertus intends not to obscure the lines of responsibility, but to call for greater accountability. He employs a blunt visual language to postulate the links between unspeakable acts of violence and the high-ranking perpetrators who often get away with them.

Through their distinctive visual alchemy, the collages tell buried stories, outline hidden connections, and make scandalous accusations. Although the juxtapositions may feel jarring and random, they generate new meanings, pushing viewers to make their own associations. Lisdebertus’s cut-and-paste approach may seem brash, but its boldness is entirely strategic. The works decisively level historic and academic hierarchies, and cut through the official accounts, circumlocutions, and justifications that lull us into accepting brutality as a necessary part of everyday life. They remind us, forcefully, that violence is inexcusable, and that someone is always responsible.

Artist Statement

“What is said is done, what is lost is doomed, what is forgotten is dammed.”

I create photography based prints, books, and installations with history and societal systems as my theme, specifically the concept of the hero and the anti-hero. I use a visual language of icons and gestures assembled into compound images to create narratives that address this issue. This language, which I have gathered over many years, consists of photographs of iconography and inanimate representations from many historical and mundane settings throughout the world, as well as imagery taken from mass media outlets. My goal is to achieve a uniquely personal social commentary and analysis using my language of iconography as its voice.

Luis Delgado, October 2006

“What is said is done, what is lost is doomed, what is forgotten is dammed.”

I create photography based prints, books, and installations with history and societal systems as my theme, specifically the concept of the hero and the anti-hero. I use a visual language of icons and gestures assembled into compound images to create narratives that address this issue. This language, which I have gathered over many years, consists of photographs of iconography and inanimate representations from many historical and mundane settings throughout the world, as well as imagery taken from mass media outlets. My goal is to achieve a uniquely personal social commentary and analysis using my language of iconography as its voice.