Investigating cults and communes has always been an area of fascination for me. I once wondered how acolytes could devote themselves to a cult leader; following each command, participating in harmful behaviours and devoting their very being to those they hold in high regard. During a breakdown in 2021 I came to understand this mindset in my own way- I succumbed to intrusive thoughts and justified harmful decisions according to my own preaching, questioning everything from the motives of those close to me to what was real and what wasn’t.
'One Man Cult' was born in response to this episode. In order to illustrate my experience, I developed my own personal cult in which I play the role of both leader and follower. Presented as a series of tableaus with references to classical art, music, literature and real-world religions, this body of work documents my private commune from its creation to its downfall.
