The words “a visual glory hellelujah” are based on the writer Nicholson Baker’s description of popular video games  as “a visual glory hallelujah.”  Here, the artist changed it to hellelujah. The art makes a connection between video games and violence since Jihad extremists are taking the world’s most violent video game, Grand Theft Auto, and creating versions in which young players act as Jihad terrorists going on wild killing rampages.  (So extremists are now using western video games to romanticize war and recruit westerners – who will then turn around and kill westerners.)  The art uses imagery that is reminiscent of the most profitable video game ever made, Pac-Man. 

The crown of thorns is made from gold star pins which symbolize doing well on schoolwork and the way the military honors courage in battle.  The crown points to Christianity and education being under attack.  The crown also refers to the laurel wreath given to victorious marathon runners.    

The crown is also a symbol for St. Theresa of Avila. St. Theresa wrote about how playing the game of chess is a metaphor for seeking God. In chess, the crown is worn by the Queen. St Theresa is often portrayed with an arrow through her heart and believed to have died from wounds inflicted from the arrows of divine love.   Detail below. 

60” x 44” – mixed media on paper.