3D Virtual Gallery - “THE DEVILS REIGN” curated by Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of CHURCH OF SATAN

Art

30 Apr

EXCLUSIVE TO BLACK FLOWERS.

Presenting Stephen Romano’s 3D Virtual gallery, a recreation of the 2016 exhibition “THE DEVILS REIGN”.

In celebration of WALPURGISNACHT - Witches Night - Stephen Romano Gallery, Kunstmatrix and Black Flowers are pleased to present the latest conjuration of Stephen Romano’s 3D Virtual gallery, a recreation of the 2016 exhibition “THE DEVILS REIGN”, curated by CHURCH OF SATAN high priest Peter H. Gilmore. The exhibition was held at Stephen Romano Gallery’s Brooklyn location from April 1, 2016 - April 30, 2016, with an unforgettable opening reception and book release party on April 1st, 2016.

This year also marks a special occasion, the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Church of Satan and the 20th anniversary of Peter Gilmore as High Priest of the Church of Satan succeeding founder Anton Szandor LaVey.

The Church of Satan is a religious organization dedicated to Satanism as codified in The Satanic Bible. The Church of Satan was established at the Black House in San Francisco, California, on Walpurgisnacht, April 30, 1966, by Anton Szandor LaVey, who was the Church's High Priest until his death in 1997. In 2001, Peter H. Gilmore was appointed the position of High Priest, and the church's headquarters were moved to Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City. The church’s headquarters is now located in Poughkeepsie, New York.*

The Church does not believe in the Devil, neither a Christian nor Islamic notion of Satan. Peter H. Gilmore describes its members as "skeptical atheists", embracing the Hebrew root of the word "Satan" as "adversary". The Church views Satan as a positive archetype who represents pride, individualism, and enlightenment, and as a symbol of defiance against the Abrahamic faiths which LaVey criticized for what he saw as the suppression of humanity's natural instincts.*. The Church of Satan is not to be confused with the Satanic Temple.*

Stephen Romano has had an interest in the teachings of Anton Szandor Lavey, the Church of Satan’s founder. Stephen Romano comments:

“Since my early teen years, growing up in a small town in Ontario, I was engaged and encouraged by the Satanic Bible and its companion book The Satanic Rituals. I never saw it as outright reverence of a demonic entity, that came later in life, but rather a philosophy of living life to its fullest potential, as declared in the nine satanic statements, accepting zero tolerance for indolence, and being the sworn enemy to the psychic vampires. This philosophy was later affirmed in the works of Dion Fortune and others. I have always worn the endorsement of the High Priest of my curatorial activities as a badge of high honor, as have many of the artists who I have presented. I give due respect to Peter H. Gilmore for his generosity of spirit, and thank him for his enduring support and friendship with this virtual exhibition”

Peter H. Gilmore himself comments:

"It has been my honor to guide the Church of Satan into the 21st Century, maintaining the unadulterated legacy of our founder, Anton Szandor LaVey, in a trajectory that both expands and enhances his vision for the world’s first carnal religion. My focus emphasizes the radical individualism that is the heart of Satanism. My method is to both cultivate and inspire our exemplary members to show the validity of our perspective via their own unique achievements. These past two decades have been a great adventure, and I look forward to the future history we are all creating!"

Andy Howl, Reverend - Church of Satan and proprietor of HOWL Books/HOWL Tattoo said:

“Anton LaVey and The Church of Satan defined the religion of Satanism. It IS the only counterculture ideology and organization that has not only endured but grown over the last 55 years. You can imitate it and mimic it, but you can not duplicate the impact it has had and continues to have, on people and ideas around the world.
Through it all... over the last 20 years plus, Peter H Gilmore not only carried the torch for Satanism but has been a consistent beacon and inspiration for those who have chosen to look.”

Other key members of the Church of Satan were equally generous in their testimonies:

”The Church of Satan has thrived for 55 years because Dr. LaVey deftly combined and finally reconciled the rational and the ineffable into one religion. That was his vision and his brilliance.

Peter Gilmore's success at guiding this organization over the course of the past 20 years has required a clear mind, a creative imagination, and an ego secure enough to maintain and further elaborate on Dr. LaVey's vision.
Anton LaVey defined Satanism--lit the flames of purging Hellfire on Earth and fanned those flames into worldwide enlightenment for those native Satanists sympathetic to his magical insights. But it took Peter H. Gilmore to carry that sulfurous torch forward into an untested future. His tenacity, artistry, and uncompromising boldness feeds Satanism the oxygen and elements it needs to remain a relevant and potent path. For that, and for so much more, true followers of the Left-Hand Path remain infernally grateful” - Blanche Barton, Magistra Templi Rex

Publishing Miss Barton’s WE ARE SATANISTS has given me the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the history of this groundbreaking organization. What pleasure to be (almost) an eye-witness to much of what happened before my time. How glorious to be a fly on the wall for such wickedness and blasphemy!
HAIL ANTON LAVEY!
But without Peter Gilmore, that story might have been told in the past tense. The Church of Satan could very well have ended at any time after our founder’s death. As we know, it did not. I can’t believe it’s already been 20 years, but that’s what happens when a strong leader is at the helm. I’m so fortunate to witness this portion of the evolution of the Church firsthand; to see it passed into the gifted hands of our visionary High Priest and to see the organization and its members flourish into exactly what Anton LaVey went to great lengths to envision, codify, and manifest.
HAIL PETER H. GILMORE!
HAIL SATAN!
- Magistra Ruth Waytz

“On this auspicious occasion where two Satanic milestones magically align in monumental fashion, I offer my most sincere congratulations to my mentor and friend, High Priest Magus Peter Gilmore who has bravely taken up the mantle of leadership left vacant by Doktor LaVey. Philosopher, teacher, writer, and consummate epicurean, the "Maestro" assures us that through his unwavering guidance the earth's most carnal religion will reign forever!” -Magister Dr. Robert Johnson, (author of "The Satanic Warlock")

“This exceptional anniversary is forked like a tongue, diverging into two well-defined spearpoints both marking great milestones. 55 years of Anton LaVey’s life-embracing philosophy from the Church of Satan, and 20 years of carnal knowledge and logical leadership from our Magus Peter H. Gilmore.
These Adamantine gates have never gleamed so proudly.

Hail The Church of Satan!
Hail Magus Gilmore!
Hail Satan!” - David Ingram, Reverend - Church of Satan, Vocalist - Benediction
“It seems clear to me that The Church of Satan has made it this far because of a sound philosophy and outstanding leadership. Magus Peter H. Gilmore has shown us how a master conductor is able to guide the orchestra to greatness.
We are Legion as individuals and we dance to our own drum !
Thank you Maestro for inspiring us to open the mysteries of our own creations.
Hail Peter H. Gilmore!
Hail Satan!” - Reverend Adam Cardone
“O Captain, My Captain.

I have known the Magus for almost three decades and during that entire time, he has always provided me with sage counsel and shown enthusiastic support for my endeavours - creative and otherwise. I’m honored to call him my friend. The perfect combination of artist, composer, author, pundit, and consummate magician - he has consistently inspired my own quest to learn, explore, and become more and better myself.
Knowing he is at the helm of this dark, majestic vessel on which we sail the Stygian Seas fills me with confidence and pride. Only the strongest and steadiest of hands could steer the ship our founder built. Peter H. Gilmore is not only equal to that task, as our captain, he has exceeded all expectations: skillfully navigating through hostile waters and unknown territories, expertly guiding our cadre to the true realm of Leviathan. Hail the Magus! Hail Peter! Hail Satan!” - Rev. Thomas Thorn
"The Devils Reign exhibition is a wonderfully wicked wonderland of amazing occult art. So many of the pieces displayed are breathtaking to behold in person. I was honoured to have one of my creations on display. It was a truly magnificent experience to be a part of such a great gathering of so many like-minded artists." - Reverend Zoth Ommog
It has been my deep pleasure and profound honor to know Magus Gilmore and Magistra Nadramia for over twenty years. I admire and respect them personally, and also in their sometimes difficult position of leadership of our Church. They are profoundly respected leaders, and also cherished friends. - Magister Neil B. Smith