Mark Lombardi was on the cusp of international success with his provocative artwork. So why was the 48-year-old found dead, and his death ruled a suicide? And why did the FBI ask to examine one of his artworks in the direct aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks? Mark’s life is the subject of Brazen’s newest podcast, The Illuminator — and in this special episode of Whale Hunting, we hear from art curator Lawrence Rinder to shed light on Mark Lombardi’s art and legacy.

Lawrence was a curator at the Whitney Museum in 2000 and acquired a number of Mark Lombardi pieces about a scandal-ridden bank called BCCI, shuttered for money laundering. It’s this work the FBI were interested in — but why?

Mentioned in this week’s episode:

BCCI-ICIC & FAB (4th Version), the painting acquired by Lawrence for the Whitney Museum
The Illuminator: Art, Conspiracy and Madness, Brazen’s newest show — with episodes out every Monday.

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Why was the FBI fascinated by the artist Mark Lombardi?