HomeEVENTSART EVENTSRenowned artist Robert Cenedella...

Renowned artist Robert Cenedella unveils his painting, “Fín del Mundo”

Renowned, provocative artist Robert Cenedella, who’s the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary “Art Bastard,” unveiled his latest work, “Fín del Mundo” (End of the World) on Wednesday, November 2nd at Central Park Fine Arts Gallery in Manhattan to dozens of fans and art aficionados.

Fin del Mundo__Credit Krista Kennell
Fin del Mundo__Credit Krista Kennell
Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl and Katlean de Monchy
Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl and Katlean de Monchy
Carmen D'Alessio, Livia Figueiredo_Credit Krista Kennel
Carmen D’Alessio and Livia Figueiredo_Credit Krista Kennel
Linda Edward andBill Stone_Credit Krista Kennell
Linda Edward and Bill Stone_Credit Krista Kennell
Shelley Joy and Victor Kanefsky_Credit Krista Kennell
Shelley Joy and Victor Kanefsky_Credit Krista Kennell
Chris Concannon and Robert Cenedella_Credit Krista Kennell
Chris Concannon and Robert Cenedella_Credit Krista Kennell

Loosely inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s infamous The Garden of Earthly Delights, Fín del Mundo presents us with a garden of unearthly delights: a triptych depicting the end of the world as a cornucopia of disasters both natural and man-made.  Much like the illustrious Bosch’s work, this 6 x 10 foot mural presents us with detailed vignettes embedded within a titanic, cataclysmic prediction of the inevitable demise of humankind.

But unlike Bosch’s masterpiece, Cenedella’s wasteland is replete with industrial evils, nuclear waste, and the ghosts of capitalism past, present and future; our modern hell, in other words, is plastered with Coke ads and Victoria’s Secret logos.  Like the two thieves crucified along with Jesus Christ (who makes his own presence known, albeit with the cynicism of a perfect heretic), the gravest sinners of our contemporary age are pinioned: Big Oil companies, Big Banks, and Big Politicians. In their shadows, one finds a great deal of relevant commentary on the martyrs and victims of globalized greed, personified in the list of names of unarmed black men painted, memorial-style, on the cracked Liberty Bell, as well as the specters of the truly disenfranchised Native-American tribes (the Dakota pipeline protesters in particular).

Rather than offer us a mythological, mystical, universal path to hell, rife with demons and gods, Cenedella’s painting is intent upon pointing fingers at specific demons of flesh and blood (if a corporation qualifies as one), hitting right at the nose of our contemporary political, environmental and social tragedies.  Ours is a human dilemma, he appears to urge, and our punishment will be meted out by our own hands and not that of any celestial or hellish being.

A cropped portion of Fín del Mundo
A cropped portion of Fín del Mundo

An anonymous collector, who had been friends with the painter for the past 30 years, sent a deposit to Cenedella and explained that he was upset with the ways of the world, and he wanted a painting that expressed all of society’s ills, with the general theme being The End of the World.  It was agreed that Cenedella would retain artistic freedom over the content, but the idea was for the painting to be on display in time for the Presidential Election.

The collector released the End of the World painting, given its size and current importance, and purchased another controversial painting, Impeachment Off the Table, which chronicles the George Bush 9/11 era and Nancy Pelosi’s famous declaration the day after Obama was elected president.

If and when this painting sells, Cenedella has insisted on being able to continue to change things in the painting depending on the latest news – for example, we may sadly expect that the list of names of unarmed black people killed by police on the Liberty Bell will continue to grow.

List of names painted on the Liberty Bell:

Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Frank Shepherd, Tyre King, Levonia Riggins, Oscar Grant, Donta Taylor, Akai Gurley, Sandra Bland, Walter Scott, Tamir Rice. and Trayvon Martin.

Also up for scrutiny are the following familiar faces of past Republican nominees and hopefuls:

Chris Christie, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Vladimir Putin (not a Republican nominee but as a close friend of Trump, has an honorary spot in the painting) and George W. Bush.

Also featured is Luis Posada Carriles, the terrorist who bombed a Cuban jet in 1976 and whom the federal government has failed to extradite for charges.

The faces of Presidents and historical figures past and present (Obama, LBJ, Reagan, Ulysses S. Grant) form a line below a walled-off, post-apocalyptic Native American reservation with the names of the Lakota, Sioux, Hopi, Zuni and Navajo tribes painted, graffiti-like, on a concrete wall.  Scattered throughout the mural are the signs and symbols of the following corporations: Nestle, Coca Cola, Wendy’s, KFC, Burger King, Gulf Oil, Exxon, Chase, Shell, and Victoria’s Secret.

This particular triptych’s main centerpiece is flanked by two panels that come as quite a surprise, contrasting in both color and content with the morose yet explosive doomsday prophecy outlined above. The artist, clearly, is able to laugh not only at our incipient extinction, but also at himself and his own creation.

ABOUT ROBERT CENEDELLA: Robert Cenedella was born in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1940. He received his formal education from the High School of Music and Art in New York and The Art Students League of New York. In 1988, he inherited the George Grosz Chair at The League when he was invited to teach his Life Drawing Class and a Painting Workshop. He presently teaches three classes at The League. Following a definite tradition in art, like Brueghel, Daumier, Hogarth and Grosz before him, Robert Cenedella has devoted his art to chronicling the changing rituals and myths of society in contemporary America. In the last 20 years, Cenedella has amassed considerable international praise as well as inclusion in numerous public and private collections. His commissions include works for the famed Bacardi Int’l and ABSOLUT Vodka, a theater piece for Tony Randall, and two murals of historical significance for Le Cirque 2000 Restaurant in New York and Mexico City.

“Art Bastard,” a historical documentary film on his work was released in the spring of 2016 by Concannon Productions, Inc to critical acclaim. It was directed by the writer & director Victor Kanefsky, produced by Chris T. Concannon, and edited by Jim MacDonald.

art-bastard

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Everything You Need to Know About Payday Loans eLoanWarehouse

In today’s fast-paced world, unexpected expenses can arise at any moment....

Bader Shammas Net Worth: Wealth, Career, and Personal Life

Bader Shammas may not be a household name in the entertainment...

Rick Rubin Net Worth: Inside the Fortune of a Music Industry Icon

Rick Rubin is widely regarded as one of the most influential...

Mattress Mack Net Worth: The Business Mogul Behind Gallery Furniture

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is a renowned retail entrepreneur and philanthropist...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Everything You Need to Know About Payday Loans eLoanWarehouse

In today’s fast-paced world, unexpected expenses can arise at any moment. Whether it's a car repair, a medical bill, or a sudden utility payment, many people find themselves in need of immediate financial assistance. This is where payday loans eLoanWarehouse comes into play—a convenient and quick solution...

Bader Shammas Net Worth: Wealth, Career, and Personal Life

Bader Shammas may not be a household name in the entertainment industry, but his marriage to actress Lindsay Lohan has thrust him into the public eye. A successful financier and business executive, Shammas has carved a solid professional reputation outside of the spotlight. This article explores Bader...

Rick Rubin Net Worth: Inside the Fortune of a Music Industry Icon

Rick Rubin is widely regarded as one of the most influential music producers in the world. Over the past four decades, he has shaped the sound of modern music and collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the industry. His unique approach to producing, combined...

Mattress Mack Net Worth: The Business Mogul Behind Gallery Furniture

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is a renowned retail entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his clever furniture deals, charismatic marketing, and charitable outreach. His vast empire, Gallery Furniture, along with earnings from high-stakes sports bets and real estate investments, has led to a significant net worth. In this...

Jason Momoa Net Worth: From Aquaman to Hollywood Star and Beyond

Jason Momoa has evolved from relative obscurity into one of Hollywood’s most charismatic leading men. Best known for roles in Aquaman, Game of Thrones, and Conan the Barbarian, Momoa has parlayed his towering presence and charismatic personality into a substantial fortune. In this article, we’ll explore the...

What Does the Green Dot Mean on Snapchat? [Explained Simply]

✅ Short Answer: The green dot on Snapchat means that a user is currently active on the app. It’s called an “Activity Indicator” and helps your friends know when you're online or recently active — but only if you’ve opted in to share your activity status. Where Do You...

Eric Mays Net Worth: The Wealth Behind the Controversial Flint Politician

Eric Mays is a well-known figure in Flint, Michigan, primarily recognized for his often controversial but persistent presence in local politics. A longtime city councilman, Mays has garnered national attention for his outspoken behavior, viral city hall moments, and unwavering commitment to representing Flint’s First Ward. Despite...

Valerie Bertinelli Net Worth 2025: An In‑Depth Financial Profile

Valerie Bertinelli is a beloved actress, television personality, and chef whose career spans decades of entertainment and culinary success. As an Emmy-winning figure and food channel star, she has built a diverse portfolio of income streams. This article explores Valerie Bertinelli’s net worth, how she earned her...

Inside NYC Fashion Trunk Shows 2025: Where Designers and Trendsetters Collide

Trunk shows have taken over New York City’s fashion scene in 2025, offering style aficionados an insider pass to designer previews, limited-edition collections, and behind-the-scenes access. If you’re a trendspotter in NYC, this is your golden ticket to fashion’s most exclusive gatherings. Whether you're a fashion editor, stylist,...

Ludacris Net Worth 2025: How the Rapper Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire

Christopher Brian Bridges, widely known by his stage name Ludacris, is a rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success across multiple fields. As of 2025, Ludacris's estimated net worth is around $40 million, a testament to his longevity and diversification beyond just music. This article...

Simon Guobadia Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Businessman’s Wealth

Simon Guobadia, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, film producer, and businessman, has built a reputation not only for his high-profile relationships but also for his strategic investments and impressive business ventures. Best known for his appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta through his marriage to Porsha Williams, Guobadia's...

Gervonta Davis Net Worth: Inside the Fortune of Boxing’s Knockout King

Gervonta “Tank” Davis is one of the most explosive and marketable fighters in modern boxing. Known for his knockout power, undefeated record, and magnetic presence, Davis has become a financial powerhouse in the sport. From pay-per-view successes to business ventures outside the ring, his net worth has...