About the artwork
With sculptural realism, Piet Rodriguez portrays his interpretation of Ares, the Greek god of war. Using a limited palette of colors in acrylic and spray paint, he brings a certain three-dimensionality to the work. Oscillating between different shades of gray, he enhances his composition with white, thus introducing a controlled play of light. While the divine face is meticulously precise, the helmet on top of his head is inspired by a certain abstraction. Ares, depicted here in profile, or even from the back, is known to be aggressive and driven by a thirst for battle. Piet Rodriguez, like the greatest ancient and modern sculptors, brings his subject to life by individualizing his emotions. Outside the scene, the viewer is left with an impression of power, supported by the contrast between the depth of his keen gaze and the calmness of his demeanor. The artist seems to want his contemporary art world to coexist with his fascination with ancient art.
Expert opinion
A spectacular work both technically and aesthetically, this canvas fits perfectly into the artist's artistic environment and the series he devotes to Ares. Poetry is to Greek sculpture what delicacy is to Piet Rodriguez's work.
About the artist
Born in Brussels, Piet Rodriguez first studied hotel management and then advertising, before being drawn to painting and making it his career in 2012. Influenced by the great masters of history, he initially turned to realistic portraits and compositions straddling symbolism and surrealism, before turning to statues from Greco-Roman mythology, his favorite subject. He began working in black and white, then quickly moved towards a more colorful production based on research into light. In 2015, the artist discovered spray painting and urban art, an environment in which he flourished and drew on his creativity. Piet Rodriguez gradually found his style and the art that defines him, painting huge Greek silhouettes on walls. A committed artist, he sees this as a way of making works "reserved for the elite" accessible to all. His monumental murals can be seen across France and internationally at urban arts events (Ukraine, Step in the Arena, Netherlands; Just do Paint, France) and exhibitions (ArtCan Gallery, Paris; Offside Gallery, Lyon).
“"Putting these works back into the urban world so that everyone can contemplate them seemed to me to be a fair return, as these works are for the most part either locked up in museums or reserved for an elite."”
Additional info
Framed
Proof of authenticity
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