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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.

NAME:

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

Size :

  • 162x100 cm, 60x33"

TEHNIQUE :

  • Acrylic on Canvas

AUTHOR :

  • Aleksandar Petković

COLLABORATORS :

  • -

PRICE :

  • Available Soon

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

Toreador and Fallen Bulls

Exploration of Life, Death, and the Haunting Silence That Follows

Artist painting the "Death in the Afternoon" artwork, using disturbing red colors to depict blood and the bullfighting theme.
Artist painting "Death in the Afternoon," a disturbing artwork depicting a toreador and fallen bulls, on a sandy beach during a summer day.

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 the coming clash.

From open fields to chains, “Death in the Afternoon” reveals the grim fate of bulls, where blood and gold intertwine. This evocative toreador and bulls painting from the series ‘Civilón – The Bull Who Ate Flowers’ captures the tension before a toreador’s fateful battle. He stands in his ornate golden suit, facing the lifeless bodies of three bulls hanging from chains. Beneath them, a pool of blood symbolizes the transition of their souls, creating a profound visual narrative in this fallen bulls artwork.

On June 28, 1936, in Barcelona, the fourth match is underway, and three bulls have already been killed. Civilón waits for his fight in the fifth match. The silent clamor of the slaughterhouse, filled with the scent of blood and anticipation, contrasts sharply with the roaring crowd outside. While the toreador prepares, Civilón waits in a dim barn, feeling the tension and hearing the noise from the arena. This juxtaposition encapsulates the brutal reality of bullfighting in this disturbing painting.
Collaborator working on the disturbing painting, "Death in the Afternoon," adding details to the artwork depicting a golden toreador and fallen bulls.

The Story Behind "Casual Cruelty"

“Death in the Afternoon” delves deep into the theme of fate and mortality, drawing parallels with the previous painting ‘Casual Cruelty,’ where animals raised in captivity, chained in barns their entire lives, were only released from their chains at the end, as they were transported to the slaughterhouse. Here, bulls that lived under the open sky find themselves in a closed space, hanging from chains for the first time at the moment of their death. This toreador and bulls painting also reflects the story of Civilón, a bull that narrowly escaped death in the corrida only to be killed and hung by soldiers two weeks later during the Spanish Civil War.

The vibrant reds and golds in this disturbing painting contrast with the cold, lifeless bodies of the bulls, emphasizing their cooling flesh. As an emerging artist, I aim to evoke a disturbing feeling of blood and contrast, challenging viewers to reflect on the stark realities of bullfighting in this fallen bulls artwork. Explore “Death in the Afternoon” and delve into the profound narrative of life, death, and the haunting silence that follows.

This artwork is more than just a visual narrative; it’s an invitation to engage with deeper themes of fate and mortality. Consider adding “Death in the Afternoon” to your collection as a poignant reminder of the complexities it portrays and a catalyst for meaningful discussions.

STORY

BEHIND PAINTING

CIVILÓN BLOG

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS & ARTISTIC VISION

As an emerging artist, my work is shaped by personal experiences and reflections on life, death, and in that context the treatment of animals. These themes shape my artistic vision, challenging viewers to confront the ethical and moral implications of our actions towards animals, other humans, and the planet itself.

In essence, the painting “Death in the Afternoon” is a profound exploration of life, death, and the haunting silence that follows. Set against a nation on the brink of war, the story behind the image serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the harsh realities faced by both humans and animals.

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