Cloning (2017)

Cloning by Gheorghe Virtosu raises the relevant issue that concerns human cloning. Definitely, the artist seems to disapprove of the practice, as his oil painting is depressive and lifeless.

Dark hues and the gray background contribute to the gloomy mood that predominates in the picture. Likewise, quick and uneven brushstrokes in the background make the work look even more hectic. Sharp and curved lines interweave in the artwork, forming a few terrifying silhouettes. Among the latter is a person’s morbid grayish face, twitched with suffering and terror. Due to its scale, it is the main focal point in the artwork, which immediately draws attention. Actually, the face resembles a skull, which in various cultures is associated with death. It takes a horizontal position, which suggests that the person is defeated. Above the skull, there is the scary figure of the demon that rises above the face, threatening and intimidating it. In addition, there is a laughing blue face, which stands out from the other figures, mainly due to its vibrant color. Presumably, it embodies the researcher, who has consigned the person to cloning and ensuing pain. The blue face is another focal point, because of its relatively light blue color, which is the only cool hue that stands out from the dark warm and neutral colors (“Cloning”).

Cloning may be good and it may be bad. Probably it's a bit of both. The question must not be greeted with reflex hysteria but decided quietly, soberly and on its own merits. We need less emotion and more thought. Certainly, the above interpretation is highly subjective. Another person may reflect upon it and arrive at a completely different interpretation. This is both the wealth and the power of abstract art; it makes room for subjective interpretations.