An Artistic Fusion of Colors and Symbolism: A Home Crafted for Turbulent Times
Immersed in the persona of 'The Prophet Isaiah,' an individual dedicated years to embellishing his Niagara Falls home with intricate wooden shapes and symbolic motifs, creating a captivating display both indoors and outdoors.
This article was first published by The Art Newspaper, a partner of CNN Style.
The magnificent waterfalls of Niagara Falls have inspired many artists with their grandeur. However, Isaiah Robertson had a different vision. He believed that the falls would serve as the setting for the apocalypse. Known as the Prophet Isaiah, he dedicated years to creating intricate wooden cut-out shapes adorned with various symbols like stars and crosses in vibrant colors. These unique creations decorated both the interior and exterior of his home.
Located on a main street in a residential neighborhood, his vibrant collections of art pieces caught the eye among the surrounding brick and vinyl siding, especially as they became more intricate over time.
Fred Scruton, a photographer of art environments in the US, recalls his time at the Prophet Isaiah’s Second Coming House. He mentions that many people would stop their cars to admire the art and that the artist enjoyed interacting with visitors, offering tours. The artist humbly attributed his work to the guidance of a higher power, claiming that it was God's hand at work.
Robertson, born in Jamaica in 1947, moved to Canada as a young adult before settling in Niagara Falls in 2004. While working as a carpenter on a renovation project at his local church, he had a profound experience that he believed was a prophecy, inspiring his art.
Robertson's house faced an uncertain future after his death in 2020. Despite being a top tourist spot, Niagara Falls has seen a decline in population since the 1960s, similar to other Rust Belt communities facing economic challenges.
To protect the space, Scruton reached out to the Kohler Foundation in Wisconsin, known for preserving art environments. He wanted to ensure that the "something magical" in this low-income neighborhood was saved.
"According to Liesl Testwuide, senior preservation manager at Kohler Foundation, the organization's goal is to save art environments in their original location whenever they can. She emphasized the importance of keeping the community context intact. The site not only brings hope to a struggling area but also fosters a sense of pride and enriches the culture of Niagara Falls."
Divine intervention: Isaiah Robertson said his architectural ornamentations and sculptures were created by God moving his hand.
Divine intervention: Isaiah Robertson said his architectural ornamentations and sculptures were created by God moving his hand.
Randy Duchaine/Alamy Stock Photo
After the Kohler Foundation purchased the site, they hired the art preservation company B.R. Howard & Associates (BRH) in 2021 to help with its conservation. This task was particularly challenging due to the density of the art found on the site. From paintings on the sidewalk depicting the Seven Seals in the Book of Revelation to decorated rocks arranged in a tree bed to symbolize the tomb of Christ, there was a lot to preserve. Not only that, but the art had also deteriorated over the years from the harsh Western New York winters. Every single piece, including the smallest heavenly cut-out star, was carefully documented and evaluated before the entire site was taken apart.
Braeden Howard, the lead project manager and associate conservator at BRH, explained the meticulous process they followed. They printed numerous enlarged images of the art at different angles and created a miniature 3D diorama of the art features. Using specialized software, they digitally reconstructed the site to determine the exact sequence in which each column and art feature layer needed to be installed. This step was crucial to ensure that everything fit together seamlessly. If any element was installed out of order, it would prevent the features from aligning correctly with Robertson's original vision and design.
Historic England
Related article
One man’s artistic wonderland, created secretly in rented apartment, given protected status
The reassembled Second Coming House includes elements replicated with PVC for long-term stability, meticulously matched to Robertson’s freehand style. In October 2023, the site was gifted to the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) for future stewardship. It is planned to open to the public this summer as an art destination and community gathering space.
Sara Capen, NFNHA’s executive director, emphasized the significance of the project in preserving an art environment and revitalizing a neighborhood. She stated, “The power of this project is not only in preserving an art environment but in revitalizing a neighborhood, which is critically important to places like Niagara Falls that have had decades of decline." The project has inspired neighbors to improve their porches, undertake small construction projects, and plant gardens—a testament to the positive impact of preservation and the artist's energy.
While many visitors come to Niagara Falls to admire the natural beauty, Capen wants them to also appreciate the creativity behind the house's story. Even if a large number of people come to Robertson's house during the Rapture, they will be greeted with joyful art meant to lead them towards salvation.
For more stories, visit The Art Newspaper.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the extraordinary vision of Isaiah Robertson, a self-proclaimed prophet who transformed his home into a vibrant canvas of intricate wooden cut-out shapes, symbols, and religious iconography. His art, inspired by a profound spiritual experience, became a testament to his belief in the imminent apocalypse. Robertson's Second Coming House, a testament to his unique artistic expression, has become a captivating destination for art enthusiasts and a source of inspiration for the local community.
The article also underscores the importance of preserving art environments like Robertson's, which often reflect the personal visions and cultural heritage of marginalized communities. The Kohler Foundation's efforts to safeguard this unique site, in collaboration with conservation experts, ensures that Robertson's artistic legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The reassembled Second Coming House stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, revitalizing a neighborhood and fostering a sense of pride and cultural enrichment.
