About Labyrinth of Medea
‘Labyrinth of Medea’ – The Artworks of RUSSELL RISKO. The artist Francisco Goya once said, “The custody of a prisoner does not call for torture.” For he had seen some humans’ abiding and deep desire to humiliate others. Of this, he dedicated a series of etchings titled “The Disasters of War”.
‘Labyrinth of Medea’ is in response to the US service members who died recently as a result of a bomb attack on Abbey Gate, Kabul Airport, Afghanistan. The result of the attack compels thirteen, newly designated Gold Star families to ask the question ‘why’.
Vision Statement
This painting is one in a series titled ‘Head Games’. The series reflects the grief surrounding the recent political unrest, the pandemic, and the alteration of life that we’ve all endured. It explores the tension and torment symbolized through facial fragments and linear patterns. The paintings in this series are not intended to be likenesses of anyone you might recognize. But, their expressions may conjure other heartfelt interpretations.
The Symbolism of Color
This painting employs analogous variations of Gold colors as its dominant (or Focus) color. The inspiration for the color scheme comes from the granddaughter of the Greek mythological sun god Helios. Medea is most notably known for her participation in the story of Jason and the Argonauts, where she aids Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece.
What are “Tetradic Colors”? Tetradic colors are two sets of complementary pairs that are found opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme is also referred to as Double-Complementary colors or a Rectangular Color Scheme.
About the Artist
Russell Risko is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Fine Artist. During his 40-year career as a visual communicator, Russ achieved leadership roles as Art Director, Creative Director, Principal Partner and Ad Agency President. His work has appeared in countless regional, national and e-zine publications and website properties.
Today, Russ has entered the final chapter of his career, unfettered by the “need-it-yesterday” time constraints of the advertising and marketing world. Now in retirement, he has the opportunity to move beyond his commercial art past and exercise his fine art instincts, to give birth to new visual perspectives and to invest in the time necessary for such exploration.
Contact me on Instagram if you have any questions or interest in available artworks.
Explore the entire ‘Head Games’ series of paintings.