Purvis Young (1943 - 2010) Battle for Freedom, Circa 1990 Paint on panel with wood frame 48 x 35 in

Metaphysical confrontations of supernatural spirits, demons and angles have battled in the heavens and in the depths of hell, fighting over humans’ well-being. And yet man’s physical altercations in the 1950’s and 60’s Civil Rights movement protests illustrate that the war between good and evil has been with us in many forms for over a millennium.

The constant resurrection of goodness, not that of viciousness and evil, speaks the deepest truth about our world and our lives. It is said that good always triumphs over evil. Capturing a biblical war, the painting evokes a classic renaissance aesthetic.

“Battle for Freedom” by Young has a similar struggle being portrayed. With affixed found objects as sidebar comments on the gestalt of the painting’s meaning, the pool of blood on the bottom part of the painting continues to rise as the slaughter persists. However, it does appear the good, once again has the upper hand as mankind is again on the precipice of peril