Title of the Work of Art:

To those in War and in Peace

Date of Creation:
2016

Genre:
War Art
Period-Movement:
Neo Expressionism
Technique:
Painting
Materials:
Oil and Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions:
H 40 x W 100 inches


Artwork Description:
The artist created this monumental picture as a retort to wars in general and the military clash between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in particular. Chiao's decision is not to side with any party in the conflict; he supports no one's victory nor arguments for the military conflict, but demands the immediate cessation of undue violence and bloodshed. Death here is distributed universally across the composition: all parties in the conflict are depicted as suffering heavy losses through the careful arrangement of figures and forms. This picture becomes a broader metaphor for war, conveyed not only by its subject matter but also by its specific visual symbols and spatial relationships. For example, the eagles—depicted with assertive diagonal wingspans, sharply contrasting talons, and occupying elevated positions near the canvas's upper edge—represent the rival military forces, their dominance underscored by their position and scale. The central horse, rendered in sweeping, grounded lines and occupying the compositional midpoint, embodies both the collective plight of humanity and planetary wisdom; yet, its exposure to attack from above formally underscores its vulnerability. The horse, as the largest and most neutral-colored form, serves as both an anchor and a casualty in the conflict. Visual tension is heightened by the contrast between the clustered eagles and the fragmentation of the weaker birds below, which are outnumbered and overpowered, symbolized through a staccato rhythm of stones, crosses, and stars raining down. These adversarial projectiles—rendered in distinct geometric forms—evoke both weaponry and ideological dogmas. The depiction of the two dead men at the bottom serves as a poignant focal point; their pale, contorted bodies and close placement visually reinforce their symbolic role as divided brothers, victims of war's fratricidal violence. The painting’s complex layering and reworking over several years, along with allusions to Gustav Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze, enrich its symbolic ambiguity and visual density.

Chiao's antiwar stance aligns with contemporary artists who similarly address the theme of conflict. For instance, artists like Ai Weiwei and Banksy have explored war and peace in their works, utilizing visual art to question and challenge the impact of political decisions. However, Chiao's unique symbolism and refusal to side with any faction highlight his distinct approach within the contemporary discourse. This originality further emphasizes the universal suffering in war, offering a potent critique that resonates in today’s geopolitical climate.