Charlie Co (b. 1960)
Pieta
signed and dated 1997 (lower right and verso)
oil on canvas
60" x 60" (152 cm x 152 cm)


León Gallery wishes to thank the artist forconfirming the authenticity of this lot

EXHIBITED:Ray Hughes Gallery, Moro-Moro, Sydney, 2002
LITERATURE:Co, Charlie, and Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava. Moro-Moro. Exhibitioncatalog. Ray Hughes Gallery. Sydney. 2002. Full-color illustrationon page 9.

Charlie Co gives a haunting yet poignant interpretation of the Mother and Child theme. Co’s Pieta takes inspiration from Michelangelo’s Renaissance sculpture of the same name. One of the most iconic works of art, Michelangelo’s Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary as the Mater Dolorosa, grieving over the dead Christ. While Michelangelo’s work expresses the graceful acceptance of a peaceful death, giving hope to the promise of everlasting life, Co’s rendition conveys man’s vulnerability and a mother’s nurturing and protective instinct, which springs from her profound love for her offspring. In this piece, a gravely injured man helplessly lies on his mother’s lap and nearly succumbs to his own death. The two are situated inside a dreary cave and surrounded by a swarm of human-like crows, symbolizing the severity of the man’s suffering and torment. Interestingly, the man possesses the stigmata wounds on his hand and ribs. Another notable detail is his fatally wounded head and the crown of thorns in the lower-left corner of the painting. These elements represent the agonizing thoughts and experiences penetrating our mental, physical, and emotional stability. While her son is in an almost powerless state, the mother is undaunted in protecting him, whatever the cost to her own security and well-being may be. “We are all vulnerable to harm when we become physically and mentally weak. And when we are, the evil ones are ready to finish us off,” says the artist. “A man has been attacked by human-like crows. They could not seem to get enough as they wait for yet another chance to pounce on him and devour him like vultures. But a mother’s instinct is always to protect her child from harm. Thus, this image is inspired by the Pieta.” Co’s Pieta forms part of the artist’s 2002 exhibition titled Moro-Moro. Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava writes in the exhibition catalog: “Co compares his work to a diary where he chronicles his reactions to events that register in his consciousness.” In its entirety, the piece symbolizes the intimate relationship and emotional attachment between a mother and her child. Despite the distressing circumstances, a mother’s unwavering and enduring love will always prevail. (A.M.)