INFERNO

2024

Oil, acrylic, emulsion, crackle paste and goldleaf on unstretched canvas

750cm x 236cm

 

Eva M.V. Hewitt is an award-winning fine artist based in Glasgow, Scotland, who uses painting as her medium of expression. Her artworks explore the delicate and complex relationship between the earthly and the ethereal, presenting a unique perspective on the human condition in our modern society. Hewitt’s ‘Inferno’ deals with the overarching theme of ‘Spiritual Warfare’ and the artist offers a unique interpretation of this by exploring the ways in which the contemporary human being fits into such a subject. Spiritual Warfare is the Christian concept of fighting against the work of preternatural evil forces. It is based on the biblical belief in evil spirits, or demons, that are said to intervene in human affairs in various ways. In short, the strive for Heaven is certainly met with obstacles, a significant amount of discomfort and often situations of terror. The chain of bodies Hewitt has depicted span the realms of Heaven, Earth and Hell traveling downwards to greet the viewer’s feet. The ongoing nature of the long stretch of fabric on which she has painted, is suggestive of eternity and physically connects the upper portion of the room to the floor, metaphorically linking the Heavens and the Earth. The artist has taken the creative decision to realise ‘spiritual warfare’ in a very literal manner, utilising contemporary visuals and symbolism associated with battle and conflict. Her intentional use of colour separates those entangled in this fight – the cherubim and angels are clothed in ceremonious white, whilst those fighting on the side of evil are dressed in black. Christ, is both eye catching and distinctive, with a virile stature. He is characterised by a shade of deep blood red, signifying His status, His divine confidence and His own suffering. Unlike contemporary warfare, this particular battle is not fought over land nor money, but something far more valuable – the human soul. So to illustrate humanity caught up in such an ongoing war, Hewitt uses the injured, tired, lifeless human body of the soldier, which is most identifiable as it drapes over the shoulders of the central Jesus – similar to the way in which a solider would carry his oppo, or a shepherd would carry his sheep. Notice how ‘evil’ in this instance is not indicated through ugliness or repulsiveness. The artist intentionally presents it as the opposite. Evil so often masquerades as attractive, appealing and intriguing. In fact, it is when this mask slips and we catch a glimpse of what it truly is, which is often the most frightening thing. This painting illustrates the importance of identifying the enemy’s tactics prior to entering into this battle – a vital aspect of any war as it allows a troop of soldiers to act accordingly and achieve victory. Eva M.V. Hewitt proudly dedicates this painting to the younger generation and considers it to be the thought-provoking, stimulating finale to her Masters degree.                              

“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness!” – Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)