The Conversation or Lack Thereof
(aka Will Return)
(tag 790)
A Rolling Conundrum
2012

Private Collection

Assemblage (52.5” x 19” x 19”)

Exhibition History:
California Heritage Museum, April 27-November 8, 2019

Artist description:

This piece is a commentary on taking responsibility, or not, for decisions and actions as the result of one’s free will. This artwork is ultimately a commentary on those who do evil things to others in the name of “God,” “Jesus,” “Allah” or other religious representations of “a higher power.” Here we see the bust of Jesus (somewhat aged and beat up) that sits atop a telephone lineman’s field test phone where the switch is set to “listen only.” Evidently the person who had been here, listening, did not like what they were hearing and so the listening device is left hanging as if the listener left in a hurry. Jesus is presented here as if he is being grilled/interrogated. The use of an Art Deco machinist’s “bullet lamp” above reinforces that effect. We also see in this piece reference to Jesus’s “Second Coming” promise with the use of a “Will Return” sign.

This artwork is part of D’Elia’s “Rolling Conundrum” series. The rolling conundrums are artworks created to represent problems that occur everywhere in the world. All world religions, all of which preach the power of love, have been abused by some and used as a bully platform to harm others. This artwork comments upon the questioning of one’s faith and beliefs and whether there exists a God or higher power.

Publication History:
2019 LGBT Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide
Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. (Page 70)