Chunks of meat. Medicine tablets. A hidden rat. A small incense altar. John Marin’s A Council of Discords is a socio-political commentary on the hierarchy structure inherent in most societies. It features a series of works that form a long piece when hung together, making up an image of a long, messy table consisting of elements that symbolize how those in power gluttonously feast on everything while the masses suffer and get only crumbs (if they’re lucky).

Some symbolisms include a candle without fire, depicting death; auspicious symbols such as decomposing tangerines, a horse figurine and a bul-ul to depict incoming opportunities, wealth and fortune; an incense for prayer, flora for time, a dead snake for luck or betrayal, a godzilla figure as a discreet metaphor for disaster, a defensive dog chewing on leftovers to represent the reality of the masses, and a smashed watermelon that points to the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

In some ways, looking at the paintings in this series feels like a final supper of sorts. The viewer is left to ruminate on the heavy symbolisms presented buffet-style, and in the process, come to their own conclusions.

Nikki Ignacio