A Silent Cry.

by Emanuel Alvarez Valencia

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Price

$3,500

Dimensions

24.000 x 24.000 x 2.000 inches

Title

A Silent Cry.

Artist

Emanuel Alvarez Valencia

Medium

Painting - Acrylic

Description

Title: A Silent Cry: Mirthful Innocence Amidst Remnants of Conflict

Artist Statement:

Within the realm of the More Bombs, Less Milk Collection, the third piece, created by Combat Veteran Artists Emanuel Alvarez Valencia, portrays a profoundly disturbing yet thought-provoking image. This artwork unveils an unsettling reality, depicting a toddler sitting on the cold, unforgiving ground, earnestly clutching a machine gun. Too young to even tie their own shoes, this child has been irrevocably orphaned by the scourge of war. Acting as a visual exposé, the bullet-riddled concrete wall forms the backdrop, symbolizing the enduring aftermath of conflict - an ominous reminder of the heartache and devastation it leaves behind.

At first glance, viewers may feel a sense of dissonance provoked by the contrasting elements. The innocent presence of a child, typically associated with laughter, curiosity, and dreams, juxtaposed against the menacing symbolism of a weapon, lays bare the cruel paradox inherent to war. Through this striking visual language, Valencia compels us to confront our own complicity, questioning the world we have created for the future generation.

The grayscale palette reinforces the somber atmosphere of the piece, emphasizing the stark contrast between light and darkness. Valencia deliberately abstains from vibrant color, mirroring the emotional weight and muted existence that encompasses the lives of those affected by conflict. The absence of color also serves as a metaphor, signaling the deprivation of a colorful, nurturing childhood that every child deserves.

The juxtaposition of innocence and brutality invites contemplation, inviting viewers to delve deep into the moral and ethical intricacies surrounding war and its impact on the most vulnerable members of society. What unfolds is a testament to the lasting scars inflicted upon communities torn apart by violence, forcing us to question the choices that lead to such heartbreaking circumstances.

In essence, this piece stands as a poignant critique of the contradictions inherent to war, illustrating the plight of war orphans who bear the burdens of a world they did not create. Valencia guides us to recognize the urgent need for a collective effort to bring about change; a call for unity to mend shattered societies and to pursue peace with unwavering determination.

Ultimately, this piece demands introspection and a reevaluation of our priorities as a society, urging us to look beyond our own interests and confront the reality that children should never be forced to inherit the scars left by our inability to find peaceful resolutions.

Uploaded

June 29th, 2023

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