Painting Analysis: Leo Tanguma

The painting that I chose for this assignment does not have a particular name. However, it is very well-known throughout the world, as are many of the other murals that accompany it at Denver International Airport. The paintings, painted by Leo Tanguma, are said to depict unity and peace among all races and ethnicities of mankind. The artist is well known for his artistic contributions to society, focusing primarily on unity, social equality, and human dignity. (Lettieri & Tanguma) While the artist is the only one who can understand their work to the fullest, this painting seems to depict war and death more than anything. The painting depicts a ghostlike figure wearing a gas mask. He appears to have slain a multitude of sorrowful-looking people, with a dove sticking out of the edge of his scimitar. One might assume that this painting would evoke a sense of fear in people who look at it. What is notable about this painting and the artist who painted it is that there are three of his other murals throughout the airport. These, among other notable artistic choices displayed throughout the airport, have stemmed multiple conspiracy theories regarding war and destruction. (The Sun)
One of them also focuses on people from all parts of the globe gathering around this same Nazi-looking figure. The attached painting evokes not only a sense of fear in the viewer, but of wonder as well. War certainly seems to be a common them in this painting, as well as the other ones. Moreover, the other paintings seem to depict peace and unity. What is ironic is that this painter is known to paint based his humanist views, meant to promote dignity and world peace while the main focus of these particular paintings seems to revolve a being that resembles