Pictured: Inevitability of Death by Tom Romain
An artwork by Tom Romain – pupil at St Christopher School in Letchworth – has been selected for the Royal Academy’s Young Artists’ Summer Show. The piece is one of only 392 to have been selected from nearly 18,000 entries, and will be exhibited at the Royal Academy from 18 October to 22 November.
Tom, who completed his A Levels at St Christopher School this summer, said of his oil painting Inevitability of Death: “the piece is an exploration into human form, particularly into the archetypal characters seen in traditional art. The maiden, representing love and grief is contrasted by the cruel and wicked guards. The prisoner stands for bravery and courage, similar to the common theme of Jesus on the cross, while the hag portrays wisdom.”
The painting demonstrates a remarkable depth of meaning, as Tom continues to explain: “though faint, the Grim Reaper mirrors the guard by placing his hand on the prisoner’s shoulder, implying the choosing of his next victim, however the painting shows that no-one can truly escape death – the severed head, the frail hag being eaten up by shadow, weapons and armour used in warfare and the roses at the guard’s feet, symbolic of life being cut short and withering away. Using heavy Caravaggio-style chiaroscuro, warm oil and large scale really allowed the depth and richness of this piece to shine through.”
If you would like more information about St Chris, the school has a virtual Open Day that you can access online: virtualopenday.stchris.co.uk
All of the artworks in the exhibition can be viewed on the Royal Academy website: youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk
