The “Battle of the Soul” Collection is centred around 14 historically controversial, widely-known and talked about, concepts derived from the seven sins and the seven virtues.
This particular collection was born in Kraków, Poland, circa 2005, during the time period leading up to Pope John Paul II’s untimely death and during the rise in succession of the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI. Personally, the story is told from a side that has been lived, relived and born again from within. It’s told from a side of Self, a side of wonder, a side of innocence, a side of love, a side of pain, a side of fear, a side of despair, a side of uncertainty, a side of courage, bravery, awakening and truth.
The collection is meant to reflect my own experience through the realm of Forms, and quite frankly, begs the question of whether any one side can be chosen at all.
(see Plato’s Theory of Forms)
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Artist's note:
"This is a message of encouragement to individuals who find themselves becoming a source of inspiration to others and to any with genuine curiosity and appreciation for the arts. Do not shrink yourselves or your beautifully creative ideas in order to make others feel more comfortable about your work. It is by divine design that we have any inclination towards talent, gifts or skills at all. So, when you are being judged in such ways, remember your divine roots, and allow that to inspire you like never before.
On a more personal note, it has been somewhat humorous (and in a way enlightening) how some over the years have read my art pages with premature judgment, perhaps in fear of art itself. These persons who question my beliefs seem unwilling to want to understand art's deeper truths, to hear its stories, to feel its feelings and instead, look down on what only few of us will ever fully grasp unassisted ― the artist's mind. Of those whom this rings true, I send you unconditional love. I hope one day you will find peace within yourselves and maybe even uncover a hidden talent of your own to offer (without similar judgments) to those positively moved by it.
Art is powerful. These experiences are to be expected, especially when bringing light into dark spaces. More importantly, it serves us all as further evidence to the vital role we as 'the artist' can play in awakening new levels of passion, love, and empathy in others."
― Adrénus Craton (2024)
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In the summer of 2011, the entire 14 piece collection made its debut in Bulgaria's capitol city of Sofia. The remaining ten original paintings were the moved to London, where several more years would pass before debuting four new (unfinished) paintings from the same collection but under a new series called, REBIRTH. This exhibition was held in Shoreditch, London, ⎯ London HOUSE Studio on August 26th, 2016.
Shortly after my London exhibition, all 14 paintings from the “Battle of the Soul” collection were moved to New York City, to a boutique studio in Brooklyn Heights where the four unfinished paintings from the REBIRTH series would be finalised⎯thus once again, completing the collection. Currently, several new series from Battle of the Soul have commenced entitled, METAMORPHOSIS, CONTINUUM and TREE OF LIFE.
Living in and travelling throughout the world has prompted me, as an artist, to ask the same question again and again, "What is this battle?" This collection is all about feelings of taboo vs normality, good vs evil, weakness vs power, and what we all interpret as sin vs virtue.
My desires and aspirations for this entire Battle of the Soul collection (and its subsequent series) has reached a new peak. Every painting in this ongoing collection is created with a message. Each message identifies and connects us to the very threads of our human race.
2023
2022
2022
Battle of the Soul | Collection
2021
Battle of the Soul | Collection
2021
2019
THE ASSEMBLAGE :Battle of the Soul | Metamorphosis
2019
THE ASSEMBLAGEExhibition Photos
2019
WHITE SPACE CHELSEA :Battle of the Soul | Continuum
2018
SAATCHI ART :Battle of the Soul | Metamorphosis
2016
LONDON HOUSE STUDIO :Battle of the Soul | Rebirth
LONDON HOUSE STUDIO :
Press Coverage by Backstage Tales
LONDON HOUSE STUDIO :
Press Coverage by Be Your Own
2011
BULGARIA DEBUT :Battle of the Soul | Origin
2010
PRIDE (sold)
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PRIDE II – Rebirth
×2. PRIDE II — Rebirth
Some have asked, “When did it become something we should live or die for?” Others have said, "Without it, we are nothing."
There are no lines drawn between these colours – only our desire to search, instead of simply seeing, this multi-coloured canvas.
Would it not be lovely to just exist, with no lines, borders or rifts? Multi-cultural and freely talented, we were all meant as individual gifts. So, let us not be criticised and penalised for any combination of colours that we choose to, or choose not to, identify with.
Pride appears when its virtue’s Form, equality, is absent.
Size : 130 x 150 cm (5 x 4 ft)Medium : Acrylic on canvas
HUMILITY
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ENVY
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ADMIRATION
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GREED
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GREED III — Metamorphosis
Even at gold it scratches, only wanting something finer as it wildly hunts for the very treasure it has ravaged – yet, bound for nothing better.
Greed appears when its virtue’s Form, unconditional love, is absent.
Size : 130 x 150 cm (5 x 4 ft)
Medium : Acrylic on canvas
It is Greed’s virtue. In generosity’s true spirit, one never knows who is the giver, nor who is the receiver. It is forever unknown who is the greater beneficiary, forever unknown for whom the well has been most filled.
The hand of generosity is not black nor is it white, not left nor right, and not a thing is left unresolved, other than that which seeks its just cause.
Its Form is love – in every sense of the word, unconditionally.
Size : 130 x 150 cm (5 x 4 ft)
Medium : Acrylic on canvas
LUST
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CHASTITY
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GLUTTONY
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It is Gluttony's virtue. Abstinence is somewhat of a tattered blank canvas for each of our seven sins. Its restraint slowly washes away the gluttonous wantons and too-toos within us, whilst making room for a reasonable and seasonable apprentice.
Its Form is restriction – in every sense of the word.
Size : 130 x 150 cm (5 x 4 ft)
Medium : Acrylic on canvas
SLOTH (sold)
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SLOTH II – Rebirth
×1. SLOTH (sold)
2. SLOTH II — Rebirth
DILIGENCE
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PATIENCE (sold)
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PATIENCE (sold)
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PATIENCE II – Rebirth
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2. PATIENCE II — Rebirth (sold)
3. PATIENCE III — Metamorphosis (sold)
It is Rage's virtue. We have all heard the phrase, "Just count to 10." Patience is not idle, nor should it be thin. Every moment passed is a second to be counted. It does not spell surrender, but it does mean we must always remember... what it is we’re standing for.
Only then, when we step back to see the big picture, do we forget the numbers and become our own victor.
Its Form is purpose – in every sense of the word.
Size : 130 x 150 cm (5 x 4 ft)
Medium : Acrylic on canvas
RAGE (sold)
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RAGE II – Rebirth
×1. RAGE (sold)
2. RAGE II — Rebirth