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Julia Explores the Dark Side: "A Closer Look at the Sin of Wrath"

Updated: Nov 20, 2024

Presenting my exploration of the Seven Deadly Sins and their paradoxical counterparts, the Seven Heavenly Virtues. A profound journey into the depths of human nature and morality. By meticulously planning and executing each piece, I delve into the raw essence of each sin and virtue, capturing their complexities and contradictions with raw honesty and insight.


The inclusion of the Heavenly Virtues alongside the Deadly Sins adds layers of depth and nuance to this work, highlighting the interconnectedness of these seemingly opposite forces. Through these paintings, I confront the ugly nature of both sin and virtue, challenging viewers to confront their own moral ambiguities and contradictions.


My exploration of these themes serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human existence and the eternal struggle between good and evil, virtue and vice. My art invites viewers to engage in introspection and reflection, prompting them to consider the ways in which these universal themes manifest in their own lives and experiences.


Wrath is my sin, Wrath is the burden I bear:


In the depths of Wrath resides a facet of my being, an undeniable part of who I am, yet also a force I grapple with daily. It's a dance between my sin and patience, an intricate balance teetering on the edge of control. This tumultuous emotion stems from a deep-rooted sense of injustice in the world, where merit often takes a backseat to privilege and connections.


Consider for a moment the countless individuals whose brilliance remains overshadowed by circumstance. I, too, have felt the weight of adversity from an early age, grappling not only with personal trauma but also with the challenges imposed by a learning disability. Despite possessing knowledge and aptitude, traditional education systems have failed to accommodate my unique way of understanding the world.


Yet, from this struggle emerges a different kind of expression - in the strokes of oil on canvas, in the contours of my sculptures. My art becomes a channel through which I confront and communicate the depths of my Wrath. It's a raw, visceral energy that pulses through me, fuelling my creativity and igniting a fiery defiance against the injustices of the world.


Yes, my words may carry a tint of bitterness, a reflection of the battles fought within. But this Wrath, this tempestuous force, does not define me; rather, it is a canvas upon which I paint the complexities of human emotion. It is through harnessing its power that I breathe life into my creations, delving into the primal depths of each sin to evoke its essence.


So, while it may seem as though I am engulfed in a storm of resentment and fury, I know that this is but one facet of my being. I confront it, I challenge it, and ultimately, I harness it to fuel my artistic journey, transforming Wrath into something beautiful, something profound.


My interpretation of the sin of wrath and patience within this painting is both thought-provoking and insightful. The depiction of wrath as a frenzied attack on the institution of 'man', fuelled by circumstances and ultimately leading to punishment in hell, underscores the destructive nature of unchecked anger and resentment. It's a powerful reminder of the consequences of allowing wrath to consume us and drive our actions.


In contrast, patience emerges as a calculated and deliberate force, biding its time for revenge on 'man'. The notion of revenge being a dish best served cold encapsulates the idea of patience as a strategic ally, allowing for a more calculated and impactful response to perceived wrongs. It's a testament to the importance of balance and restraint in navigating complex emotions and situations.


My exploration of these themes invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with wrath and patience, and to consider the consequences of both impulsive actions and calculated restraint. It's a compelling portrayal of the intricacies of human nature and the eternal struggle between passion and reason.


What is my Wrath?


Within this painting lies a profound and hidden narrative: the path of revenge. It speaks of the time required to let vengeance cool, the patience necessary to nurture it until it transforms into Wrath. This is the story embedded in the artwork—a tale of oppression, resistance, and the consuming fire of retribution.


The act of enslavement, of imprisoning others for personal gain and enrichment, sets the stage for the inevitable downfall of the oppressors. When the illusion of "Stockholm syndrome" fades and the oppressed awakening to the reality of their plight, mutiny erupts.


History is replete with such moments—on grand scales and small. Yet, for many, the confines of their "prison" are tolerable so long as they are fed and watered. But for the majority, this existence is far from pleasant. It is a life of squandered dreams, stifled ambitions, and aspirations sacrificed to the desires of those who wield power.


The reflection within the painting holds the key: patience. It waits, silent and calculating, sharpening the cross into a weapon—a tool of liberation and destruction. It bides its time until the moment comes to unleash Wrath upon the oppressors. When the floodgates open, Wrath’s white eyes blaze with frenzy, unleashing a ferocious storm of vengeance upon the world that has enslaved it. It is raw, primal, and relentless, born of long-suppressed rage.


The Devil observes from the shadows, machete in hand, amused. Though the enslaved are the true victims of this cycle, their descent into Wrath damns them in his eyes. By succumbing to this sin, they become his, destined for punishment in hell. The Devil takes pleasure in this irony: even the just cause of resistance can be corrupted into sin.


And yet, beyond the confines of their prison lies the path to freedom. The untouched expanse of spiritual liberation beckons, a realm free of entrapments and earthly domination. The choice to walk away, to break free from the cycle of revenge and retribution, is ever-present. But few take this road, entranced instead by the seductive pull of Wrath and the satisfaction of vengeance.




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