Zebedee Armstrong received a vision in his sixties that unfurled the message that “the end of the world is coming” and to stop “wasting your time”. This voice compelled Armstrong to begin constructing three-dimensional calendars that could, if formulated correctly, predict the date and time of this prophesied Apocalypse. He created hundreds of these calendars/clocks up until he died in 1993. All of these resonated in an extremely unique visual vocabulary and symbolic language. His main materials in manufacturing these mystical technologies were red and black felt-tip markers, which he applied to either wooden or cardboard panels. He would begin by sketching out a grid design on the panel, a technique he called “taping”. Then he would apply a numerical calendar system onto the grid, using found objects, such as paper ephemera, wood, containers, to build up the device. Some of the clocks had moving parts which rotated to various points; this movement enabled the artist to calculate more effectively the Judgment Day. Throughout this process Armstrong became increasingly reclusive, filling his home with these prognosticant sculptures. Tapping further into his vision he also became increasingly focused on the Book of Revelation and the idea that time itself was coming to an end.

Untitled, 1988
Marker and paint on wood, 35 x 12 x 31.5 cm
Courtesy of Christian Berst Art Brut, Paris

Untitled, 1990
Marker on cardboard, 22.5 x 0.5 x 16.4 cm
Courtesy of Christian Berst Art Brut, Paris

Untitled, 1987
Marker on wooden object, 29.2 x 11.4 x 28.6 cm
Courtesy of Private Collection: Elisabeth and Christian Berst Collection, Paris