2024.03.04-2024.03.30｜Sowing Hope: The Purgatory in Cen Long’s Paintings

Artist
Cen Long

Info
2024.03.04-2024.03.30
Sowing Hope: The Purgatory in Cen Long’s Paintings
L’Accademia delle Arti del Disegnoa

Overview

Then, leaving the dark cave behind, I emerged and saw the stars… Thus, Dante concluded Inferno of The Divine Comedy, embarking on the journey into Purgatorio, a realm where souls are tempered by suffering and ushered towards spiritual growth. Here, human souls are purified through penance, discipline, and cleansing, thereby achieving rebirth and gaining entry into Heaven. In Cen Long’s work, we witness an artistic vision of Purgatorio transcending mere representation, delving into the depths of Cen’s profound reflections on life.

Enduring numerous trials in his lifetime, Cen remains a steadfast believer in the transcendent virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. His canvas becomes a conduit of love, benevolence, hope, and fortitude. He portrays ordinary individuals - silent bearers of fate, valiantly confronting life's tribulations. These figures, depicted as diligent laborers, become vessels for Cen’s philosophical musings, radiating with sanctity, unwavering faith, and the courage to face adversities unflinchingly. His art inspires, sowing seeds of hope in people's hearts.

Cen once said, “All my paintings, all the characters, can be seen as those that have endured the spiritual trials of Dante’s purgatory.” Painting is an essential part of his spiritual practice, as well as the deliverance from suffering and hopelessness. He hopes that his art can manifest the most precious aspects of humanity, bringing courage and hope amidst the sound and fury of modern society.