Platform: Amadeo Morelos

For his Platform series the artist chose to depict an elaborate world that captures the viewer through close-cropped perspectives that display whimsical interactions between the protagonists. In a continuation of the thematics explored in his solo exhibition at Unit London, titled Providence (2021), this series similarly features subjects in conflict with their natural surroundings. The subjects of these stories are engulfed in emerald green foliage; appearing as gold statues they seem enthralled in interplay with various jungle habitants. The animals and plants that the figures interact with are reminiscent of Morelos' garden at his Mexican home. The artist explains how inserting certain aspects of his daily life allows for the compositions to assume a more relatable reading. 

Executed in oils, this body of work is alive with pure colour and rich texture. Morelos’ works display distinctive and confident brushwork creating a rhythmic pattern of longer, more isolated strokes that are contrasted with the smoother execution of the figures themselves. Painted with round gestural strokes of yellow and ochre, the figures add an energetic and kaleidoscopic feel to a composition that might appear uncomfortably compact. 

Often the iconography in Morelos’ work is one that originates from Greek mythology, much like the present painting Arete. Originally told by the sophist Prodicus in the 5th century BC, Arete was part of the story of Hercules, a tale later known as ‘The Choice of Hercules’. Appearing as a young maiden in the hero’s early life, the goddess Arete urged Hercules to follow her path, though it would be one of struggle and hardship it would lead him to true happiness. Arete implored the hero not to succumb to her counterpart Kakia or ‘vice’ who offered him wealth and pleasure. This narrative is reflected in Morelos’ work, as the ethereal goddess tramps the evil snake, while directing the viewer’s attention towards the sun, alluding to Hercules’ stoic choice of following the path of ‘virtue’.

The artist has explained that his interest in myths, particularly the stories of Hercules, Apollo and Dionysus, allow him to explore the hero complex and its presence in today’s society. By bringing together mythological narratives and our contemporary reality, Morelos comments on the self-indulging idea of being “the main character” of your life while also suggesting parallels between the two, as each viewer undoubtedly relates to the hero's plight of overcoming obstacles while choosing a more righteous personal journey.