Skip to content
Something new artwork coming

NAME:

A KISS OF FRIENDSHIP

Size :

  • 162x100 cm, 60x33"

TEHNIQUE :

  • Acrylic on Canvas

AUTHOR :

  • Aleksandar Petković

COLLABORATORS :

  • -

PRICE :

  • Available Soon

A KISS OF FRIENDSHIP

The Cover Story

Power of Media

One particular photograph, featured on the cover of the “Estampa,” became the inspiration for this poignant animal human bond painting. The image of the little girl nurturing the injured bull became iconic, transforming Civilón from a mere participant in the brutal world of bullfighting into a symbol of pacifism and compassion.

In the compassion painting, “A Kiss of Friendship,” a striking scene unfolds, capturing the profound connection between innocence and strength. Against a backdrop of radiant gold, the artwork features an ebony bull, Civilón, tenderly kissed and stroked by a little girl named Carmelita. This rich contrast between the dark figure of the bull and the luminous surroundings creates a poignant interplay in this painting of human animal bond that speaks to the heart, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of life, compassion, and the enduring bonds that can form between humans and animals.

An Animal Human Bond

The Story of Civilón and Carmelita

Carmelita was only seven years old when her father, Don Juan Cobaleda, discovered her lovingly petting the wounded Civilón and feeding him flowers. This tender moment marked the beginning of a remarkable story that would soon captivate the attention of the media. Photographs of this extraordinary friendship graced the pages of Spanish newspapers “Estampa”, capturing the hearts of the public.

After Civilón was injured in a fierce battle with another bull, Don Juan moved him to the barn for healing. It was here that the extraordinary friendship between the bull and Carmelita blossomed. The young girl would often be found in the barn, gently stroking Civilón’s sleek black coat while he munched on the flowers she offered. The sight of this gentle giant, bred as a toro bravo for bullfighting, happily eating flowers from a child’s hand became a spectacle in itself. Soon, other children flocked to the farm, bringing bouquets of wildflowers and succulent grass, eager to share in the joy of this unique bond.

A Tale of Compassion, Tradition, and Heartbreak

The painting beautifully captures this moment of tenderness and connection, emphasizing how compassion can awaken kindness in even the fiercest of creatures. It illustrates the delicate balance between the innocence of Carmelita and the raw power of the bull, reminding us that empathy knows no bounds. This artwork serves as a powerful testament to the idea that kindness can flourish amidst chaos, even in the harsh realities of life.

However, the story takes a bittersweet turn. Despite the profound bond established between Carmelita and Civilón and the growing movement for animal rights, Don Juan Cobaleda, driven by tradition and economic pressures, ultimately made the difficult decision to send the bull to the corrida. “A Kiss of Friendship” stands not only as an artistic representation of a touching moment but also as a poignant commentary on the moral dilemmas faced in the world of bullfighting, acknowledging the challenges that come with tradition.

Through this large scale painting made by emerging artist, viewers are invited to reflect on the nature of empathy and the profound connections we forge with animals. The painting challenges us to consider the impact of our choices and the enduring question of how we treat all living beings. As the golden hues envelop the scene, they symbolize hope and the possibility of change, reminding us that even in a world marked by conflict, love and compassion can prevail.

STORY

BEHIND SERIES OF PAINTINGS

Photo-shooting of painting of two bulls captured on mobile phone

CIVILÓN BLOG

THE POWER OF RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY: CREATING AN ART SERIES FROM SCRATCH

While researching Civilón’s life, I began exploring the cultural and traditional aspects of bullfighting for the first time. I encountered historical gaps – moments where the details of Civilón’s fate were unclear. Rather than aiming for documentary accuracy, I allowed these blank spaces to play a part during the creation of sketches. My paintings don’t aim to provide a historical documentary but rather offer an interpretation of the story, simplified into essential subjects and emotions.

Read more
SHARE:

If You Liked This Painting, You Will Love This One...

The ART of DANGER

The Bull, the Ballerina, and the Abyss: Exploring Life and Death in Art “The Art of Danger” is a visually arresting surreal ballet bull large size painting that portrays the surreal and dramatic interplay between life and death. This painting features a powerful black bull, a woman in white, and a troupe of ballet dancers, all set against an
HAVE A LOOK
Exciting things are coming

DISTANT SPECTATORS

Lack of Empathy This large size painting explores emotional disconnection in the aftermath of a bullfight. Coral red and turquoise blue details, immersed in the sand surface, tell a tale of the aftermath—a bullfight’s conclusion.  The bull lies motionless; a silent witness to the arena’s fleeting drama. Men in red shirts diligently clean the arena, preparing it for the
HAVE A LOOK
bull horse painting post-modern

KARATE BULL

Bull With Gentle Heart This striking portrayal in this surreal bull art challenges traditional perspectives in bullfighting, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of movement and defiance. In front of the bull, a man riding a horse is depicted, dressed in traditional matador or picador attire, complete with a decorative jacket, tan pants, and a white hat. The horse
HAVE A LOOK
Contemporary artwork juxtaposing a ballet dancer's pointe shoes with a matador's traditional costume and cape, highlighting the contrast between two cultural art forms

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DANCE UNTIL THE DEATH

Ballet and Bullfighting Ballet and Bullfighting: A Cultural Dialogue This ballet bullfighting artwork depicts a juxtaposition of two iconic cultural symbols: a ballet dancer and a matador. This artwork exploring ballet and bullfighting captures the essence of both traditions. The background in this ballet bullfighting artwork is muted, ensuring that the focus remains on the two figures. The contrast
HAVE A LOOK
A painting titled 'Death in the Afternoon' from the series 'Civilón – The Bull Who Ate Flowers' depicts a toreador in an ornate golden suit standing in front of the lifeless bodies of three bulls hanging from chains. A pool of blood beneath them symbolizes the transition of their souls to the universe. The scene captures the silent clamor of the slaughterhouse and the tension of the upcoming battle.

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

Toreador and Fallen Bulls Exploration of Life, Death, and the Haunting Silence That Follows This disturbing painting, “Death in the Afternoon,” depicts a toreador standing amidst the lifeless bodies of fallen bulls, a stark contrast between the vibrant hues of the matador’s costume and the somber reality of death. A moment of silence. The smell of blood. Bracing for
HAVE A LOOK
Something exciting coming artwork

CRIME SCENE

Vulnerability and Tragedy This provocative bull painting, “Crime Scene,” by emerging artist Aleksandar Petkovic presents a haunting and provocative composition that challenges the viewer’s perception of aggression and justice. Two majestic Toro Bravos, adorned with sleek black heads and white horns, take center stage in this bullfighting artwork, their powerful presence captivating the canvas. The raw, minimalist composition allows
HAVE A LOOK
emerging artist painter cover blur

DANCE ME TO THE END OF FIGHT

A Sensual Ballet: Carmen and the Bullring Imagine standing in front of a matador, vulnerable, with a deep breath, ready for his next move. The air is thick with anticipation, and the subtle tension between power and grace is palpable. “Dance Me to the End of Fight,” from the series “Civilón – The Bull Who Ate Flowers,” captures this
HAVE A LOOK
Sculpture of an angel made of stone in the vibrant red cloak that the angel is wrapped in draws the eye with its intense warmth, contrasting the blue background and the yellow shades of the angel’s hair and the dandelions in his hand. Angel looking helplessly at a dead bull hanged on chain against a turquoise sky.

POWERLESS GUARDIAN

Our Capacity for Empathy and Engagement A Painting Exploring Empathy and Engagement This painting explores empathy in the captivating relationship between the ascending flower-eating bull and a celestial guardian, set against a heavenly blue background created using the pouring technique. The vibrant red cloak that the angel is wrapped in draws the eye with its intense warmth, contrasting the
HAVE A LOOK
A surreal painting titled 'Casual Cruelty' from the series 'Civilón – The Bull Who Ate Flowers' depicts a character resembling Ronald McDonald, the famous fast-food clown mascot, laughing and giving a thumbs-up with both hands. He stands in front of a yellow truck carrying several animal heads, including pigs and a frog resembling Kermit the Frog, poking out of compartments. The background features a sky with shades of blue and white. The vibrant yellows and reds of the clown's outfit contrast with the whimsical and unsettling scene, highlighting the grim reality faced by animals

CASUAL CRUELTY

Contrasting Realities A Surreal Animal Rights Painting When Childhood Icons Meet Animal Rights This surreal animal rights painting, “Casual Cruelty,” invites you to a vivid world where childhood innocence and stark reality blur. The character resembling Ronald McDonald, the famous fast-food clown mascot, is shown with a wide-open mouth as if shouting or laughing, giving a thumbs-up with both
HAVE A LOOK
Painting of a snow-capped mountain peak rising above a sea of clouds, evoking serenity and tranquility

ABOVE THE CLOUDS

“Above the Clouds” is a stunning landscape painting that captures the serene majesty of a snow-capped mountain peak rising above a sea of clouds. Delicate use of color create a tranquil scene that invites viewers to imagine the crisp, clean air and peaceful solitude high above the world. This painting is a testament to the natural beauty of mountain
HAVE A LOOK
Serene painting of snow-capped mountain peaks rising above a sea of clouds, enveloped in a gentle pink haze, creating a tranquil and contemplative mood

MISTY MORNING SUMMIT

This bright landscape painting captures the delicate romance between breaking dawn and majestic mountains. Bathed in a gentle pink haze, the artwork evokes a serene mood of tranquility and contemplation. The canvas unfolds like a gentle path, leading the eye from the neutral shades in the foreground up towards the distant mountain peaks. As your gaze ascends, it is
HAVE A LOOK
Unconventional landscape painting contrasting a vibrant red, fiery sky with the stark, cold mountain peaks below.

THE OPPOSITES ATTRACT

This unconventional mountain silhouette painting breaks away from traditional depiction of natural landscapes and gives a refreshing, striking vision. The sharp horizontals of the sky rest strangely against the cold, pointed peaks of mountains in this composition, representing precisely a symphony of visuals by contrast. The sky, a dramatic unfurling banner of vivid tones of golden yellow and fiery
HAVE A LOOK
Landscape painting showing a mountain peak bathed in golden light at sunrise, with warm hues creating a radiant effect.

GOLDEN SUMMIT

Bright and beautiful landscape piece that captures with unrivaled finesse the moment when a ray of light descends on mountain ridges, bathed in all richness to transform them into gilded majesty! Like an autumn cascade over mountain peaks, light fractures into hundreds of golden shards, covering them with warm brilliance. The ethereal spectacle at the summit creates an impression
HAVE A LOOK
Dynamic landscape painting depicting a powerful snowstorm over a rugged mountain range with swirling winds and snow

NATURE’S TEMPEST

This dynamic landscape painting oscillates from the raw fury of a storm to the chilling intensity of a snow blizzard. Diagonal strokes breathes life into the sharp, relentless winds that seem to cut across the canvas. Whether as bursting waves or shards of ice, this piece is a beautiful dedication of respect to such powerful forces of nature, so
HAVE A LOOK
Futuristic landscape painting of mountain peaks shrouded in a surreal purple haze, blending science fiction elements with natural scenery

PURPLE HAZE

This is an exciting landscape painting, capturing mountain peaks under an otherworldly purple haze, plunging you into a realm of science fiction. The views from the top are transcendent, exploding into vibrant spectacles of surreal colors that rarely seen in the natural world. Unique visual phenomena arising at that juncture of terrestrial and celestial, creating an extraordinary tableau in
HAVE A LOOK
Romantic landscape painting featuring distant mountain peaks, with horizontal lines and a minimalist color palette, evoking a sense of depth and tranquility.

ETHEREAL HORIZONS

This romantic landscape painting captures the serene beauty and mystery of nature through the simplicity of horizontal lines and a restrained, neutral color palette. Minimalistic dark strokes carve out distant peaks and build a silhouetted form against such an understated backdrop. An innocently growing streak of light brings another dimension into the painting, thus leaving it open – is
HAVE A LOOK
Artistic painting of a peaceful black bull silhouette dancing among scattered red flowers with peach-colored background

BULL WHO LOVED TO EAT FLOWERS

Civilion: Bull who Loved to Eat Flowers “The Bull Who Loved to Eat Flowers” stands as a striking testament to the gentle soul that defied expectations. This painting captures Civilón, a legendary bull whose story echoes the tale of Ferdinand, in a moment of peaceful suspension against a backdrop of floral serenity. The composition is simple yet profound. A
HAVE A LOOK
Emerging painting blured promo

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Balance Between the Arena and the Slaughterhouse In this captivating composition, inviting contemplation and empathy from the observer, the canvas unveils a scene rich with shadows and movements, where the narrative unfolds through the dynamic interplay of forms, their diagonal positioning, and the compelling interactions between them. Only the bravest of the bulls will live to the age when
HAVE A LOOK
Two lifeless bull carcasses being slowly dragged across a gray floor of slaughterhouse, their blood leaving crimson bloodfall

SILENCE OF THE BULLS

Chill of a Slaughterhouse Floor “Silence of the Bulls” is a haunting and evocative painting that depicts the tragic aftermath of a bullfighting mishap. Two lifeless bull carcasses are shown being solemnly dragged, leaving vivid crimson blood trails in their wake against a neutral, cold backdrop that evokes the unfeeling chill of a slaughterhouse floor. The composition powerfully contrasts
HAVE A LOOK

CONFRONTATION

Raw Power and Emotion of the Tienta This visceral interpretation of the traditional “tienta” ritual captivates with its raw, emotional energy. Where the previous rendering evoked elegance and drama, this version embraces a more expressionistic style, amplifying the intensity of the encounter. The painting’s composition immediately draws the viewer into the fray. The bull, rendered in a riot of
HAVE A LOOK
Emrging artist presenting blured painting

CRIMSON CONFRONTATION

The Use of Animals for Entertainment A captivating sea of red that makes the background, hints at the visceral echoes of bloodshed. Amidst this crimson expanse, three enigmatic figures command attention — a woman, a bull, and a man; each a distinct entity yet entwined by the omnipotent power of red. The woman, embodying the essence of a bullfighting
HAVE A LOOK

CIVILÓN AND CARMELITA

Conflict and Compassion The painting “Civilón and Carmelita” eloquently portrays the intricate relationship between the brutality of bullfighting and the tender compassion. Set against a backdrop of moonlit, yellow sand, and a serene blue sky, this artwork draws viewers into two contrasting yet interconnected scenes. In the foreground, there is intense confrontation between a matador and a bull, each
HAVE A LOOK

IS THIS THE END?

Fragility of Life This haunting painting captures the final, tragic moments of Civilón’s life – a beloved bull whose story has become a symbol of the fragility of existence and the capacity for both gentleness and violence that resides within the human spirit. On the second day of Spanish Civil War, against the backdrop of a fading pink sky,
HAVE A LOOK
Landscape painting inspired by the Himalayas, depicting towering mountain peaks with ethereal blue and rusty hues, creating a sense of serenity and grandeur.

Silent Giants

Immerse yourself in the serene and majestic beauty of mountains in “Silent Giants”. Use of earthy tones and abstract textures brings to life the rugged terrains and snow-capped summits, creating an illusion of depth and movement that pulls viewer into it. Vertical lines give the canvas a sense of towering height and immersive depth attained magnificently through a minimalist
HAVE A LOOK
Climber in a red jacket and blue helmet ascending a snowy mountain, surrounded by a range of snow-capped peaks under a vivid blue sky, depicting resilience and adventure.

FROZEN BEAUTY

The painting captures Dolores’ excitement a mere 500 meters from the summit of Mount Everest. Against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, frozen in time and wrapped in ethereal beauty, she stands a breath away from achieving the unimaginable. Imagine the surge of anticipation, the culmination of two years of relentless mental and physical training, and a grueling two-month
HAVE A LOOK
Snow-capped mountain peaks against a vivid blue sky with climbers making their way across the snowy expanse, highlighting the grandeur of nature and human resilience.

THE MAJESTIC PEAKS MOUNTAIN

This painting is a testament to the insignificance of man in the face of nature’s might. No matter how small we seem before the mountain, we never cease in our endeavors to surmount it. The allure of scaling mountains and pushing ourselves to the limit stems from our innate desire to triumph over nature’s adversity. There, at the foot
HAVE A LOOK
Portrait of Dolores Al Scheilas wearing an oxygen mask during her Mount Everest ascent, capturing her near-death experience with a snowy, rugged background, symbolizing her struggle and triumph

THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

THE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE, 80x60cm; 31.5×23.6″, Acrylic on Canvas, Aleksandar Petković, Available Soon This painting captures the near-death experience, underscoring the support from unseen hands needed to reach life’s summits. After the two-month journey, Dolores Al Scheila and her team were about to reach the summit of Mount Everest when Dolores faced a life-threatening experience due to the “high
HAVE A LOOK