Guardians of London 

Scott Gustafson created "Guardians of London," presenting a modern take on classic archetypes. Gustafson is a contemporary artist, yet this image harks back to the late 19th century, a time when London was the heart of a vast empire, and anxieties about modernity, class, and national identity were rampant. Here, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are not merely detectives, but symbols of intellect and order amidst the perceived chaos of a rapidly changing world. The looming gargoyle, a relic of gothic architecture, hints at darker, irrational forces at play. The artist invites us to consider the narratives we construct around heroes and monsters, and how these reflect our deepest fears and aspirations. Gustafson cleverly uses nostalgia to tap into ongoing conversations about power, knowledge, and the ever-present shadows that lurk beneath the surface of progress. It asks what we choose to protect and what we fear.