graphite and charcoal on canvas, 192 x 72 inches
Collection of the Artist
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Originally created for the Tijuana Banner Biennial in 2002, Ugolino No. 1 (Embrace) and Ugolino No. 2 (Hombre) refer to the story of Ugolino, a traitor who was condemned to the Second Ring of the Ninth Circle of Hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy. As the story goes, Archbishop Ruggieri imprisoned Ugolino because he was a traitor. To further punish Ugolino, Ruggieri also condemned his innocent sons; all were sentenced to death by starvation. Ugolino No. 1 (Embrace) is an image of the two sons fearful of their fate. Ugolino No. 2 (Hombre) is an image of Ugolino himself, tied up and imprisoned. Upon his own death, Ruggieri is reunited with Ugolino in Hell where Ugolino can now have his revenge. With this story both Dante and Crosthwaite illustrate the law of retribution.
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