Nosferatu Bags One Down At The Mall, Charles Compo, 2021, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in. / 91.44 x 121.92 cm.

Confronting Violence Through Art in Charles Compo's Work

August 20, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Nosferatu Bags One Down At The Mall, Charles Compo, 2021, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in. / 91.44 x 121.92 cm.

Charles Compo’s artwork delves into the disquieting undercurrents of contemporary society.

Charles Compo is a contemporary artist whose work explores themes of modern anxiety, societal violence, and the complexities of decision-making through surreal and abstract compositions. His paintings challenge viewers to confront the emotional undercurrents of today's world.

Through his dynamic and often surreal compositions, Compo captures the anxieties, fears, and fragmented realities that characterize the modern experience. His recent works, There’s A Shooter Down at The School, Red Light Green Light, and Taking The Fork, are not only visually striking but also thematically rich, exploring the psychological and societal tensions that pervade our world today. Compo’s use of oil on canvas as a medium allows for deep, textured explorations of these themes, creating a visceral impact on the viewer.

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There’s A Shooter Down at The School (2023)

There's A Shooter Down at The School, Charles Compo, 2023, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in. / 76.2 x 101.6 cm.

There’s A Shooter Down at The School is a powerful commentary on the epidemic of gun violence that has plagued educational institutions across the United States. The painting’s chaotic and distorted imagery reflects the fear, confusion, and trauma associated with such events. Compo’s use of overlapping figures and abstract forms creates a sense of disarray, symbolizing the loss of innocence and safety. The stark contrast between the muted background and the more vibrant, alarming colors underscores the urgency of the issue. This piece not only depicts a moment of crisis but also serves as a broader critique of a society grappling with violence and its consequences.

Red Light Green Light (2023)

Red Light Green Light, Charles Compo, 2023, oil on canvas, 16 x 24 in. / 40.64 x 60.96 cm.

In Red Light Green Light, Compo navigates the complexities of decision-making and the often ambiguous nature of right and wrong. The painting’s title, a reference to the childhood game, is an ironic nod to the simplistic rules that govern a game versus the complex, often contradictory rules that govern real life. The composition is filled with abstract shapes and forms that seem to pulse with energy, creating a sense of motion and indecision. The red and green hues, traditionally associated with stopping and going, intermingle in a way that blurs the lines, reflecting the challenges of making choices in an increasingly complicated world.

Taking The Fork (2024)

Taking The Fork, Charles Compo, 2024, oil on canvas, 34 x 40 in. / 13.3 x 15.7 cm.

Taking The Fork explores the theme of divergence and the choices that define our paths. Compo’s abstract, dream-like composition suggests a landscape of possibilities, with each fork representing a different direction or decision. The interplay of geometric shapes and fluid forms evokes a sense of movement and change, while the muted color palette gives the piece a somber, reflective tone. Compo’s use of oil on canvas adds depth and texture to the work, drawing the viewer into the complex narrative of choice and consequence. Taking The Fork is a meditation on the unpredictability of life and the weight of the decisions we make.

Charles Compo’s art offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern life. Through his use of surreal and abstract imagery, Compo captures the emotional and psychological landscapes that shape our experiences. His paintings are both visually compelling and thematically resonant, offering viewers a chance to confront their own anxieties and uncertainties. In a world where clarity is often elusive, Compo’s work serves as a reminder of the power of art to navigate and illuminate the human condition.

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