Roller Coasters and Cathedrals

This project sprung from my fascination with the physical structure of old wooden roller coasters. Compared with modern steel coasters, these oldies seem excessively complex and overbuilt, and their exoskeletons proudly display their structural complexity. Posed next to imagery of Gothic cathedrals, it became clear that these two monolithic constructions share two quite different commonalities:

Cathedrals proudly display their physicality much like coasters, as flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings beg onlookers to marvel at engineering feats of wonder, and create mammoth spaces that transcend human spatial comfort. But the two align in intentions as well. We ride coasters to experience a fleeting brush with death- the endorphin rush of hurtling out of control, being always a bit scared that this whole endeavor could end very poorly, clinging to the harness that promises salvation. Not so different from what brings the devout to church; a supposedly safe encounter with god, heaven, the ultimate unknown.

Above: Six Destructions of A Coaster 2017 30”x23” Ink on Rives BFK

Below: All works Ink and Acrylic on paper, Dimensions variable