Paul Fryer: Merging Art, Science, and Religion in Provocative Works

British artist Paul Fryer, known for blending art, science, and religion, discusses his provocative sculptures and installations in a 2010 interview with Coline Milliard for art press. His work includes a wax Jesus on an electric chair (Pietà, 2008) displayed in Gap Cathedral, defended by Bishop Di Falco as a reminder of Christ's suffering, and a crucified monkey (The Priviledge of Dominion) at Holy Trinity Church. Fryer collaborates with scientists to create natural phenomena in the gallery: cosmic rays in Revelation (2008), lightning in Petit Mal (2005), and a star in Metatron (2009). He aims to overlap disciplines, citing ongoing talks with Peter Manning of the Royal Opera to blend classical music and contemporary art. Fryer studied art in the 1980s, then worked in music and as music director at Fendi before returning to art. He explores themes of death, religion, and humanity's place in the universe, using materials like wax, blood, and electricity. His works often involve danger and destruction, which he finds attractive for their potential. Fryer also created two versions of Ophelia (2006), one black and one white, to challenge racial clichés and explore negative/anti-matter concepts. He describes his approach as playful and evolving, intending to tackle new subjects like sex.