Freemasonic symbology in Cremaster 3 of Matthew Barney

Abstract

Matthew Barney in his film cycle Cremaster uses all kinds of symbolism and mythologies from different areas, epochs, and different cultures. He creates his own mythology based on emblematic figures from “high” and popular culture like Norman Mailer and Johnny Cash, Harry Houdini and Ursula Andress; and in case of Cremaster 3, the American sculptor Richard Serra and the model Aimée Mullins. Barney also employs all kind of genres like western movies, opera or a music-hall. In Cremaster 3, he makes use of two different forms such as slapstick comedy and performance in the part called The Order. What unifies both parts of the film is the Masonic symbolism and the legend of Hiram. The artist employs different elements of the Masonic Iconology but always changing its original context, and elaborates his own personal mythology just as he did in the other parts of the Cycle.