Artwork

This day in Mesopotamia when all Gods will die from sipping poisoned wine

Ian Larson , 2007

This day in Mesopotamia when all Gods will die from sipping poisoned wine is a print by Ian Larson. It dates from 2007 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This day in Mesopotamia when all Gods will die from sipping poisoned wine is a 2007 digital print poster by Ian Larson, characterized by a chaotic composition of mixed media elements, including drawings, magazine cutouts, and text, all rendered in a monochromatic palette.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts a tumultuous scene with a central recumbent figure, surrounded by disjointed sketches of people, objects, and abstract elements. Scattered textual elements ('Gods', 'die') and symbols (crosses) imply a narrative of catastrophe or upheaval, potentially alluding to mythological or existential themes.

Technique & Style

Larson's technique involves layering overlapping sketches, creating a dense, uneven, and intentionally raw appearance reminiscent of a chaotic notebook. The monochromatic color scheme (black, white, gray) enhances the sense of urgency and disorder, with uneven lines contributing to a 'frantic' visual energy.

History & Provenance

Created in 2007, the poster is signed by Ian Larson on the reverse. Further provenance details are not provided.

Context

While specific contextual influences are not explicitly stated, the artwork's stylistic chaos and thematic darkness might relate to early 2000s contemporary art trends exploring disorder and existential crises. The mention of 'chiaroscuro' in initial observations, though not directly applied here, hints at a broader interest in dramatic lighting effects in art, albeit not realized in this monochromatic work.

Legacy

The artwork's impact or legacy within Ian Larson's oeuvre or broader artistic movements is not detailed, as specific exhibition history, critical reception, or influence on subsequent works are not provided.