In March 2000, conceptual artist Mark Lombardi was on the cusp of something he’d always dreamed of. With two solo art shows complete, he was about to gain international recognition for his work. So why was the 48-year-old found dead in his New York apartment?

Could Mark’s work have had something to do with his untimely death? His intricate line drawings blur the line between art and investigative journalism, revealing startling connections between political and financial power brokers around the world. 

Reeling from his loss, Mark’s friends reconsider what they knew about him. Even in his late 40s, a latecomer to the art scene, he’d been tirelessly ambitious and hungry for success. But the more his art revealed about the world, the looser Mark’s grip on it became. Was he really being watched, or was he just paranoid?

When the FBI comes calling, requesting to view his masterwork, it can no longer be dismissed as conspiracy. But Mark is already dead. 

This is episode one of The Illuminator: Art, Conspiracy, and Madness, a new series from Brazen, hosted by Ako Mitchell. For early access to new episodes, ad-free listening, and more, subscribe to Brazen+ at brazen.fm/plus. 

To see Lombardi’s expansive BCCI drawing in full, visit brazen.fm/illuminator

Content Warning: This episode contains references to suicide.

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