Charles Stigliano’s wood reliefs bring to life themes of war, mythology, and human folly through intricate carvings that blend classical composition with contemporary relevance.
Charles Stigliano creates wood reliefs that explore historical, mythological, and societal conflicts, blending classical allegory with contemporary relevance.
His pieces humanity in its eternal struggle—whether against itself, against fate, or against unseen cosmic forces. With exquisite detail and layered symbolism, Stigliano’s works invite viewers to contemplate the cycles of history, the absurdity of conflict, and the fragile state of civilization.
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Four Horsemen, Charles Stigliano, 2024, pearwood, 13 x 60 in. / 33.02 x 152.4 cm.
In Four Horsemen (2024), Stigliano reinterprets the biblical vision of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a timeless allegory for conquest, war, famine, and death. Carved from pearwood, the relief is filled with frenetic motion—muscular horses trampling over writhing figures, warriors clashing, and celestial beings caught in the chaos. The deeply textured surface gives the piece a sense of aged permanence, reinforcing the idea that these forces are ever-present throughout human history. The work’s panoramic format enhances the feeling of an unfolding narrative, as if the apocalypse is continuously in motion.
Ship of Fools/Sea of Fools, Charles Stigliano, 2023, poplar wood and acrylic, 36 x 30 in. / 91.44 x 76.2 cm.
Ship of Fools/Sea of Fools (2023) draws on the medieval allegory of society adrift, lost in its own ignorance. In this chaotic low-relief composition, figures struggle against each other and their own foolishness, some climbing towards power while others fall into despair. Stigliano’s use of exaggerated expressions and intricate gestures creates a scene that is both darkly humorous and deeply unsettling. The theme of misguided leadership and societal self-destruction resonates as strongly today as it did in past centuries, making the piece a sharp critique of modern civilization.
War in Heaven II, Battle for the Soul of the Planet, Charles Stigliano, 2021, wood and acrylic paint, 24 x 39 in. / 60.96 x 99.06 cm.
War in Heaven II, Battle for the Soul of the Planet (2021) expands on the ancient myth of a celestial battle, transforming it into a metaphor for the ongoing struggles on Earth. Carved in wood and painted with acrylic, the relief captures angelic and demonic figures locked in eternal combat. Horses rear, bodies twist, and the composition’s swirling energy mirrors the turbulence of contemporary conflicts—whether political, environmental, or existential. Stigliano presents the war as an ongoing crisis, one that transcends myth and reflects the ever-present state of turmoil in human society.
Through his masterful use of wood relief, Charles Stigliano reinterprets historical and mythical themes to comment on the state of the modern world. His works explore the cyclical nature of war, the absurdity of societal self-destruction, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The depth and detail of his carvings lend a sense of timelessness, urging viewers to recognize the patterns of history that continue to shape our reality. Stigliano’s work is both a testament to craftsmanship and a powerful critique of the forces that govern human existence.
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