Barchael Statement

With the theme of the cult of personality as their inspiration, Barchael investigates the consequences of self-idolization prevalent in politics, moralism, and celebrity. Barchael makes mythical heroes out of their joined personality, lionizing themselves in a multimedia expression of their own supposed greatness.

Barchael is the combined creative identities of Michael Bernhardt and Barry Whittaker. Exploring issues of communication, identification, and myth, Barchael navigates a range of media confusing themselves as well as their audience. Their ultimate goal is to undermine self-righteousness, while seriously spreading the ridiculous.