Final Conflict. Acrylic pop art painting
Two figures face each other in direct confrontation. An artist stands in a resolute stance, dressed in shirt sleeves and holding his palette and brushes as if they were a sword and shield. He also bears angel’s wings and, as a whole, is reminiscent of the symbolism of St Michael, although here the artist is portrayed as both a possible creator and a combatant.
Opposite him stands a female form, part human and part beast, essentially a Harpy, coloured an intense blue that appears not to be present on his palette to any great extent. This suggests that he is not responsible for her creation, at least not recently. Her elaborate headdress of wings and unicorn forms spills into curtain-like folds.
Her appearance is captivating yet menacing, and it is no coincidence that this work was produced during the turmoil of divorce. The bright yellow and orange isometric abstract shapes add depth and texture to the background and charge the confrontation, which is enclosed by a dark blue outlined square that Doug describes as a boxing ring.
The Final Conflict symbolises the internal struggles faced by creative individuals, where inspiration can meet resistance from the mundane, and defending creativity itself can be a constant battle.
Fedora Hat, A signature Feature In Dougs Work
The featured artist, the alter ego of Doug, wears a white fedora and has translucent wings that convey a sense of good and righteousness.
In contrast, the female gargoyle exudes menace with her intense glare.
*Artist Doug Kemp’s son Luke with Final Conflict Painting
The two figures, locked in an intense stare, appear to be at odds with each other, unable to find common ground.
