Heaven or Hell by Joshua Lakes

This image is meant to explore the dualities of Heaven or Hell, a 'Yin-Yang' of religious aspects where decisions here on earth have major consequences in the afterlife. The woman can represent a ship or vessel, a country, or a set of ideals. She was created by God as a perfect companion, a beautiful gift of purity and innocence, or the bride of Christ. She can also represent a siren, temptress or harlot. Her robes symbolize the simple freedom of choice, one side showing her hip and leg for carnal pleasures. The cloud at her head is fleeting life, human mortality and unfulfilled promises. Her arms are the scales of justice holding forbidden fruit that represents temptation and an invitation to sin, and the thirty pieces of silver is the betrayal of trust, the selling of principles or pursuing temporary earthly wealth. Will humanity spend eternity in the supreme bliss of Heaven or be condemned to complete separation from the Devine in Hell.