Reviews: Desouza of Vegas

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BK Mohr — The Ultimate Passion Play

In the visual works of Desouza of Vegas, the theater of cruelty is presented as a complete entertainment form. We, the viewers, have the privilege of taking on three different roles within the dance of death, since death is always the ultimate end in his works.

From Roman gladiator games to Incan and Mayan sacrifices, and well-attended public hangings, the primal craving for conflict and redemption, life and death, has always been at the heart of public spectacle. (In my family, there are stories from early 1900s America of ‘Disgust with the neighbors who invited my elders to pack a lunch and go with them to watch the hangings.’)

Destruction of the virile male is a well-illustrated theme at the center of Herman Melville’s novella ‘Billy Bud,’ or ‘the tragedy of the handsome sailor.’ The story of Billy, a young, exceptionally handsome, and good-natured sailor, is one of conscription into the British Navy during wartime. Billy is framed by the cruel and envious Master-at-arms, John Claggart, who falsely accuses Billy of mutiny. In a moment of pent-up rage, Billy, in a single blow, strikes Claggart and knocks him dead to the floor. The death is accidental. Despite the captain’s belief in Billy’s innocence of mutiny, maritime law dictates that Billy must be hanged for the killing of an officer.

Billy Bud’s cruel execution is the tale of beauty and innocence destroyed. He is society’s victim crushed underfoot, yet Billy Bud’s death holds the mirror to society. He is a martyred hero. The Innocent man, caught in the circumstances of an unjust world. The theme of masculinity in peril, the hero’s quest, is also our hero’s death. These themes are age-old since the dawn of storytelling.

In the visual works of Desouza of Vegas, the door is open to us to select our role. Are we to assume the role of the prisoner, the executioner, or remain a voyeur to the spectacle of death? In which role do we cast ourselves?

Caught a myriad of views, Desousa of Vegas simultaneously casts us all three roles – at once. And all three roles call out for attention and inspection. Even the once-powerful and fallen men cry out for review. This is the apparent intention of Richard II, in Shakespeare’s namesake play. Richard, deposed, implores the audience, “For God’s sake, let us sit on the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings.”

Desousa of Vegas explores the drama of trial, suffering, and death. Do we feel empathy and pity, or do we revel in the pleasures of masculine demise? The indulgence is ours to explore.

Savannah Kocharyan — Love the uniqueness of every single art piece. Thank you Woody for your kindness and for bringing amazing art to Vegas.

Mark Hunter — One of a kind art that sparks the imagination!

Evonne Mathews — Artist’s creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring a vision to life truly exceeded expectations. Every element—from the colors to the composition—is beautifully executed. Communication always professional, incredibly open to feedback, making the whole collaboration effortless. I highly recommend to anyone looking for original, high-quality digital artwork.

David Rosen — A really unique and envelope pushing collection of art that broadens the range of what to expect from artists in Las Vegas.

Rick Goulart — Art is designed to provoke new thinking or feeling. Desouza’s work continues to evolve in new directions.

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