We had the privilege of meeting artist Brian Butler at the 2011 Esoteric Book Conference, and again as he came back to town to curate a film festival. Whether it be his evocative films or the ceremonial music performances of Technicolor Skull (w/Brian on guitar/electronics, and the legendary Kenneth Anger managing the theremin and visuals), Brian’s vision and execution is stunning. He should be on your list of artists to watch moving forward.

Earlier this month, Brian and friends conducted a public performance of Aleister Crowley’s The Bartzabel Working. This ritual evocation of Mars entered both occult and tabloid history as it was performed by Jack Parsons as a curse on Church of Scientology-founder L. Ron Hubbard (If you are unaware of the story behind this, and the dawning of the Babalon Current, you need to hit the library.)

Bartzabel Working by Brian Butler from Brian Butler on Vimeo.

Here are some great photos of the ritual, captured by Luke Gilford – http://purple.fr/diary/entry/kenneth-anger-and-brian-butler-s-technicolor-skull-debut-at-l-etrange-festival-paris

Photo from The Bartzabel Working by Luke Gilford