Description

Hell Hounds… Again by Carlos Quinto Kemm is a powerful and symbolic mixed-media collage that explores themes of victory, oppression, and the struggle against bigotry. The artwork is framed in an ornate, classical-style border, contrasting with its dynamic and surreal imagery.

At the center of the composition, the Greek goddess Victory ascends, portrayed as a Black woman adorned with American flag motifs, symbolizing triumph over hatred and injustice. Her elaborate hair is decorated with keys, each inscribed with Latin words—Honoris, Laudis, Glorie, Potestatis, Victorie, and Triumphi—representing honor, praise, glory, power, victory, and triumph. These keys serve as symbols of unlocking a future free from oppression.

Below her, snarling hounds surge forward in a chaotic mass, led by figures in white hoods—members of the Ku Klux Klan, clear symbols of bigotry and racism. The aggressive pack of dogs represents the forces of hatred and violence, unleashed by those who seek to suppress progress and justice. The burning torches, ghostly figures, and classical ruins in the background suggest a historical reckoning, where the old structures of prejudice and oppression are being challenged.

Above, the Scale of Justice looms, integrated into the composition as a divine and omnipresent force. Suspended at the heart of the piece, it represents the weighing of truth against falsehood, justice against corruption. This placement reinforces the idea that the battle against oppression is not just a social or political struggle but a moral reckoning. The angels surrounding the scales, along with the floating lanterns, evoke a sense of divine justice, hope, and remembrance for those who have fought against injustice.

Through its intricate layers and profound symbolism, Hell Hounds… Again serves as a compelling visual narrative of resistance, justice, and the ongoing fight against hatred. Kemm masterfully blends historical and mythological references with contemporary socio-political themes, creating a thought-provoking and hauntingly relevant work of art.