Poster "Warfare"

"All warfare is based on deception"

Size: 16x16inches = 40.64x40.64cm

In this striking and evocative artwork, titled Warfare with the haunting subtitle All Warfare Is Based on Deception, the artist invites viewers into a surreal, thought-provoking landscape that blends the mechanical with the organic, the ancient with the futuristic, and the deceptive with the starkly real. The composition centers on a massive, weathered robotic head embedded in the rugged, rocky cliffs of a desolate canyon, its gaze fixed on a sprawling, fortified city in the distance. The scene is bathed in the warm, golden light of a seemingly endless day, yet there’s an undercurrent of tension and decay that permeates every detail, urging the viewer to question what lies beneath the surface.

The robotic head, with its cracked and rusted exterior, is a haunting fusion of human and machine. Its large, dark, goggle-like eyes—reflective yet hollow—seem to peer into the soul of the viewer, while the exposed wires, bolts, and circuits spilling from its skull suggest a once-powerful entity now broken and abandoned. The lips, faintly human in their shape, are sealed shut, as if guarding a secret or bearing witness to an unspoken truth. This paradoxical figure—part sentinel, part relic—emerges from the stone as if it has been unearthed or left behind by a long-forgotten war, its presence a stark reminder of technology’s double-edged nature: a tool of creation and destruction.

Beyond the cliff’s edge, the landscape unfolds into a breathtaking yet foreboding vista. The fortified city, with its towering walls, domed structures, and intricate architecture, evokes an ancient civilization, perhaps inspired by Middle Eastern or Mediterranean influences. Yet, there’s an eerie stillness to the city, its golden stonework untouched by signs of life—no movement, no smoke, no people. The fluffy white clouds drifting across the azure sky contrast sharply with the scene’s underlying desolation, creating a juxtaposition of beauty and unease. Birds soar in the distance, their freedom a poignant counterpoint to the entrapment suggested by the robotic head and the city’s impenetrable walls.

The subtitle, All Warfare Is Based on Deception, draws from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, infusing the artwork with a philosophical depth that resonates throughout its composition. The robotic head, frozen in its eternal watch, could symbolize the deceptive nature of warfare—machines designed for destruction, masquerading as guardians or progress, only to crumble under their own weight. The city, seemingly impregnable yet eerily silent, hints at the illusions of power and security, where appearances mask vulnerability or collapse. The rocky terrain, cracked and crumbling, mirrors the fragility of both nature and human ambition, while the vast expanse of the canyon suggests the isolation and distance that deception creates between truth and perception.

This piece, rendered with meticulous detail and a painterly realism, challenges viewers to contemplate the cost of conflict—both historical and futuristic—and the ways in which deception shapes our understanding of power, technology, and survival. Warfare is not just a visual spectacle; it’s a meditation on the timeless interplay of truth and trickery, inviting gallery visitors to linger, reflect, and question the facades we build around ourselves and our world.

Whether displayed in a digital gallery or a physical space, this artwork stands as a powerful testament to the enduring complexity of human (and machine) nature, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years
Other compliance information: Meets the small parts and magnetic flux index level requirements.

In compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), we ensure that all consumer products offered are safe and meet EU standards. For any product safety related inquiries or concerns, please contact us. 

Artwork created with the support of AI