Contra (2025) Original Oil Painting by Ben Stephenson

Stephenson’s Contra depicts a golden eagle landing on a cactus under a deep red sky, with a vibrant blue snake slithering on the other side. The scene recalls the Aztec myth of Mexico’s founding, where an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake signalled the location of Tenochtitlán. But here, the balance is less clear—the snake is not just prey but an equal force. The painting plays with instinctive symbolism—eagles often represent power, while snakes evoke danger—yet both creatures have a right to survive. The bold contrast of colours—red and blue, orange and green—heightens the tension, reflecting themes of conflict, coexistence, and shifting perspectives.

Materials used:

Oil paint on canvas

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 74 x 105 x 4cm (unframed) / 74 x 105cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the back
• Style: Surrealistic
• Subject: Animals and birds