Mark Holden Hammer Swinger Project (Witch Hunt), marker on sheet metal, rope, metal bars, pully, copyright 1998

This is an installation I created to make fun of those who persecute people because they are different.  I quoted the ridiculous rantings of Malefica Maleorum or "The Hammer of the Witches".  This was the doctrine from the middle ages used by the Catholic Church to persecute and execute countless innocent people who were believed to practice witchcraft.  It was the original witch hunt.

I also quoted advice from an Olympic Hammer Swingers training book.  Those that practice witch hunts need to hone their craft.

The metal walls I hung about a foot off the floor from an overhead frame and pully.  I wanted to create a feeling of the room magically floating in the air.

"The Witches deserve the heaviest punishment.."  and "Advice to Novice Hammerthrowers..."

"Acceleration of Bondarchuk" (a famous Olympian Hammerthrower)

If you would like to contact me, email me at markwholden@hotmail.com