Unholy Communion confronts the uncomfortable contradictions that can exist between sacred authority and human nature.

The central figure carries the recognizable appearance and authority of the clergy, yet the imagery surrounding him introduces temptation, indulgence, vice, and distinctly human appetites.

The sacred and the profane occupy the same space.

Religious institutions ask imperfect human beings to represent ideals of discipline, morality, sacrifice, and spiritual authority. Yet beneath the clothing, ritual, titles, and expectations remains a human being capable of the same desire, weakness, contradiction, and failure as anyone else.

Unholy Communion asks what happens when the person behind the sacred role fails to resemble the ideal the role represents.

Is hypocrisy simply the distance between what we preach and what we practice? Are impossible expectations partly responsible for that contradiction? Or does authority create an even greater responsibility to live according to the standards imposed upon others?

The painting does not condemn faith itself. Instead, it turns its attention toward the human beings and institutions entrusted with representing it.

Sacred authority may elevate the individual.

It does not make the individual less human.

This collector's edition is strictly limited to 20 prints total across all available sizes. Each print is personally hand signed and individually numbered 1/20 through 20/20 by Michael J. Thomas and includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Khaos Art Studios documenting its place within the edition.

Once all 20 numbered impressions have been sold, this limited edition will be permanently closed.