Print Propaganda

"Print Propaganda” by Lucian Sebastian Radu

acrylic on canvas

180 x 180 cm

In "Print Propaganda," the central composition takes on a haunting duality: what appears as a black balloon, traditionally in this series a symbol of peace and hope, assumes an unsettling resemblance to a looming, all-seeing eye. This transformation imbues the piece with a sense of surveillance and scrutiny, reminiscent of a watchful camera lens capturing every detail.

The juxtaposition of the black "balloon-eye" against the backdrop of newspaper texture intensifies its voyeuristic quality, suggesting a relentless gaze that penetrates the layers of propaganda and deception. It serves as a potent metaphor for the omnipresence of manipulation in media, where the pursuit of peace is distorted into a tool for control and surveillance. The choice of newspaper texture and look and feel serves as a reminder of the role media plays in shaping public perception during times of conflict.

The teddy bears in my paintings represent childhood innocence, while the balloon symbolizes peace and stability. The elongated hands depict both the absence of affection and the longing for it, with the empty gaze accentuated by the absence of eyes.

This is the fifth painting in the "Collision" series

Through my W.A.R. (We Are Right) project, I explore the falsely justified motivations behind wars and the generational traumas endured by children. It's a personal reflection on the human condition and the ongoing struggles for peace amidst conflict.