In an unknown location, an underground facility of unknown size, situated an unknown distance below the surface of the Earth is being readied to house the world’s elite when the shit hits the fan. Some say it’s the size of London, the only access is a secret hatch in the back room of a Wigan pie shop. Others whisper it’s merely the size of a small petting zoo, situated a mile below an allotment in Margate; the only access through a fake potting shed.
This underground facility is known simply as The Bunker, and the people behind (or rather, inside), The Bunker are making a list. A list of people they want inside and safe for when the milk turns sour and this little planet of ours decides to rid itself of the human race. Much like a dog shaking itself of fleas.
On the list this week is non other than the incredible artist and master craftsman, Kris Kuksi. Spending much of his youth in seclusion, isolated in rural Kansas, his imagination would become his savior from the trials of what seems like a difficult home environment. An introverted individual, Kris breathes life into the darkest, yet most beautiful of arts.
Recurring themes of death, war, gods and monsters are constant in his sculptures, which to me have become much more than pieces of art. Each sculpture is alive, dust and damnation rattling around the ancient lungs hidden behind the breathtaking detail.
Like many of the other artists that have inspired me for years, Kris is a nonconformist. He stays true to himself and true to his vision, no matter how grotesque that vision may appear to others. And I’m sure it’s this lack of fear to walk his own path that has granted him access into The Bunker.
You know the drill folks. Kris has been allowed 10 items, space inside The Bunker is limited. Here’s what he requested.
TB: We can allow you access to 1 music video. What will it be?
KK: Beck’s New Pollution.
TB: There is room on the wall for 1 piece of art. What would you like?
KK: Bouguereau’s Evening Mood.
TB: There is a small bookshelf with room for 1 book. What will it be?
KK: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
You’re allowed 1 film. What will you watch?
KK: THX 1138
TB: There are bunk beds inside the room. Who gets the other bed, and which bunk would you like?
KK: The one on the bottom for me.
TB: You’re allowed 1 small treasured item. What is it?
KK: A bird fetus I have in a small jar since I was 17.
TB: We’ve managed to get you a CD player. What album would you like?
KK: Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring
TB: We are willing to cook you 1 meal of your choice on your first night in The Bunker. What would you like?
KK: Grilled Salmon with a side of fresh vegetables and creamed corn. And some modest red wine.
TB: All inhabitants of The Bunker MUST have their memories of Old Earth erased. However, we will allow you a single memory of your old life. What will it be?
KK: When I was 9 and my grandmother would take me for walks along the Arkansas river.
TB: We can project a view of your choice onto the Window Screen. What would you like to look at?
KK: Japanese snow monkeys relaxing in a hot spring.
Thank you for your co-operation. We will do our best to satisfy your needs and we wish you a pleasant stay in The Bunker.
The Bunker Administration Team.
You can check out all of Kris’s work at http://kuksi.com and you can pre-order his new book Divination And Delusion by clicking HERE. It’s certainly going to be a welcomed addition to my already freakishly dark bookshelf.
Check back next Friday when we’ll have news of another brand new Bunker applicant.
