The Loss of Innocence

In the aftermath of 9/11, the FBI is scrambling to identify the perpetrators of the attacks. The investigation brings its agents to the door of the Whitney Museum of Art, where Mark Lombardi’s most significant work, BCCI-ICIC & FAB, is housed. For some time, it looked as if Mark’s career in art would amount to nothing at all. His galleries fail, he clashes with bosses, and leaves a prestigious post as an assistant curator. But when he takes a new job at Houston Public Library, Mark discovers a talent for meticulous research. He begins collecting information to the point of obsession. It puts him on the path to creating his greatest work: a vast drawing tracing connections between the Bank of Credit and Commerce International, the CIA, and associates of Osama bin Laden. But just how did this conceptual artist come to uncover information of interest to the FBI? As it turns out, it wasn’t through library work alone. This is episode two 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.