“The Unseen Hypocrisy” – A Reflection on Corruption and Deception

Art is often more than a reflection of beauty or aesthetics—it’s a vehicle for truth, a voice for the unheard, and a mirror exposing the darkness within society. My piece, “The Unseen Hypocrisy”, is a 20x24 inch acrylic painting on canvas that dives deep into this theme of hidden corruption and deceit.

Concept Behind the Artwork

“The Unseen Hypocrisy” is inspired by the hypocritical monsters lurking behind the scenes, pulling the strings of power in politics, religion, and society. These figures, who claim to represent the light, often manipulate the truth for their own selfish gain. While they preach righteousness and morality, their own hands are stained with the dirt of greed, manipulation, and unrepented sin.

In the painting, I wanted to highlight the dangerous dichotomy of these individuals. They project images of purity, success, and leadership to the world, but behind closed doors, they fuel systems of oppression and selfish ambition. They appear as moral guides, but their inner motives are driven by greed, ultimately facing the spiritual consequence of death—a concept not necessarily in a physical sense, but rather the death of the soul, integrity, and any remnants of moral grounding.

Visual Symbolism

The canvas is a mix of dark, shadowy hues layered beneath streaks of bright, misleading light—symbolizing the hidden hypocrisy of those who masquerade as figures of virtue. The central figures in society are depicted as abstract monsters with hollow eyes, representing the unseen forces in control. Their grotesque forms are concealed behind layers of masks and cloaks, symbolizing the false personas they present to the public.

In this Surrealistic styled painting, two tree-like monsters dominate the left and right sides of the canvas, their faces twisted in anger and deception. Their mouths are wide open, screaming, as their long, serpent-like tongues reach toward the center. These creatures represent the forces that, though hidden, play an active role in controlling the narratives we see in politics, media, and leadership.

Their tongues, which seem grotesque and unnatural, twist together to form the image of a man and woman locked in an intimate kiss at the center of the piece. This particular choice is intentional—it shows the monsters' ability to create a picture-perfect illusion of love, purity, and unity, all while masking their deeper intentions. The kiss is not genuine; rather, it represents the manipulated image of perfection that leaders often present to the public.

The Power of Corruption and Sex

One of the more subtle but poignant elements of the piece is found in the top center of the background. Here, you’ll notice abstract shapes that come together to form the outline of a uterus. This symbol speaks to a much deeper theme within “The Unseen Hypocrisy.” It suggests that corruption in power is often fueled by sex, sexual favors, and the exploitation of intimacy.

From ancient times to modern politics, power dynamics have been riddled with sexual corruption. By including the uterus, I wanted to emphasize how deep this manipulation runs, rooted not just in greed or thirst for control, but also in the exploitation of human relationships and vulnerabilities. Sexual corruption, in this context, is both a tool and a consequence, feeding the ongoing cycle of hypocrisy.

Process and Technique

The creation of “The Unseen Hypocrisy” was both an emotional and technical journey. Using acrylic paints allowed me to create layers that gradually built up the complexity of the piece. The base layers consist of deep, muted tones—primarily blacks, grays, and blues—to invoke a sense of secrecy and shadow. Over these, I added sharper, bright accents of yellow and white to mimic the false light that these figures claim to represent.

The Spiritual Cost of Hypocrisy

The overall message of “The Unseen Hypocrisy” goes beyond just pointing a finger at those in power. It’s about the spiritual consequences that come with living in a state of deception and hypocrisy. The monsters in the painting, though they control the outward appearance of society, are themselves decaying from within. Unrepentant and blind to their moral failings, they are headed towards spiritual death.

The piece is a reflection on the cost of ignoring truth and moral integrity, both for individuals and society at large. Though the painting is rooted in a critique of those in power, it serves as a broader meditation on what happens when people—leaders, influencers, and individuals alike—become too comfortable in living a double life, preaching one thing while practicing another.

A Commentary on Power and Morality

This piece is not just an artistic exploration but a pointed commentary on the systems we trust and the leaders we follow. The hypocrisy in politics, religion, and societal institutions is a reality that we can no longer ignore. Those who claim to be saviors or representatives of truth are often the ones who abuse their positions, leaving behind moral devastation while continuing to enrich themselves.

With “The Unseen Hypocrisy,” I aim to provoke reflection in the viewer. How often do we blindly follow leaders without questioning their true motives? How much of what we accept as truth is actually manipulation designed to keep us in line? And, more importantly, how can we begin to see the monsters hiding in plain sight?

Final Thoughts

Art has the power to unveil what words alone cannot express. “The Unseen Hypocrisy” is my attempt to pull back the curtain and reveal the corruption that exists beneath the surface of the systems that shape our world. It’s an invitation to examine not only those in power but also ourselves, to question what we’ve accepted as truth and to confront the unseen forces that continue to influence our lives.

“The Unseen Hypocrisy” invites viewers to look beyond the surface and question the systems and images presented to us. The tree monsters, the twisting tongues, the symbolic kiss, and the uterus—all work together to paint a picture of how corruption often goes unnoticed, even though it’s right in front of us.

This painting is a call to action, to remain vigilant and to seek the truth behind the lies that are often disguised in bright, golden light.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with my work. I encourage you to reflect on the themes in “The Unseen Hypocrisy” and consider how it might resonate in your own life or experiences.

As of writing, the original The Unseen Hypocrisy artwork is currently available to purchase. Printed reproductions are also available as well! Here’s the link to the online listing page:

https://www.jeremyfaivrearts.com/product-page/yours-mine