Ex-voto – anti-war Print

I’m so deeply saddened about what is happening to the people in Ukraine. I needed to focus my feelings into something, so I poured my emotions into this oil painting and let my imagination flow. My painting is larger than a traditional ex-voto because I didn’t know what I was going to paint. I wanted to make a statement and work large and ended up illustrating my wish to see the end of all wars. All proceeds from the sale of this painting go to MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders). Symbolism The Mother's body takes up a huge part of the painting, whilst blending into the background. It is she who is the giver of life, it is she whom war hurts the most. The soldier sits (weak and tired) inside a doorway, which opens out from his mother’s pregnant belly. A city burns inside her in the background. The reality of hero worship is dawning upon him, as he realises how futile playing his part is. The weapons are insignificant in size and are exiting the scene. The saint is rich, old and white. He has his back turned to us. He is taking a piss and not giving a shit. For me, organised religion is just a business. War is ultimately about money and an open suitcase of notes float off in the breeze to signify how easily power is lost. The sacred heart represents Jesus’ heart. I don’t know why I hardly changed this symbol, maybe because I’m not intelligent enough to be an atheist. The banner, originally I wrote the word HOPE but I wasn’t feeling very hopeful, so I changed it to NOPE, as in, “No to war!” Traditionally ex-voto’s are folk art usually from the Christian faith, that depict daily life. Ex-voto offerings began to appear in Spain and Italy during the late 15th century and in the 16th century, in Mexico. Wars begin and end with negotiation, what happens in the middle is unnecessary.

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:8 W x 10 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:13.25 W x 15.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.