PARTING THE VEIL (THE SECOND COMING) 

Jon McNaughton painted "Parting the Veil (The Second Coming)" using traditional oil paints on canvas, a common medium for Western art. The canvas itself, likely machine-made, serves as a support for the artist's skilled application of paint. Notice the smooth, almost photographic finish, achieved through careful layering and blending of colors. This highly refined technique reflects a deep engagement with the history of academic painting, but it is one which he is using to make his artwork feel like a grand, almost cinematic gesture. The smooth surface belies the labor-intensive process of its creation, obscuring the artist's hand in favor of a polished, almost hyper-real presentation. The choice of traditional materials and techniques contrasts sharply with the contemporary political and cultural themes often found in McNaughton's work. This tension raises questions about the relationship between artistic skill, traditional modes of production, and the artist's message. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and the broader context is crucial to unpacking the full meaning of this artwork.