Inspired by the ridiculous events surrounding the supposed War On Terrorism in Iraq, this painting highlights the Three Soldiers embroiled in this dramatic Crusade, or Fight for Freedom, or whatever The Commander in Chief decides to label the Search for Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Below the looming American, Afghani, and Iraqi soldiers lay the true victims of this senseless war, the huddled masses of this world, suffering human indignities while the modern world turns a blind eye to watch the ludicrous political soap opera unfolding on the global stage.

This painting not only suffered damage from the wrath of Hurricane Wilma, but also sustained harm from political forces seeking to censor Victor-Hugo’s solo exhibit, along with this particular work of art.

Blatant negligence on the part of the developer led to a senseless act of theft, desecration, and violation of free speech which forced a continuing police investigation spearheaded by North Bay Village Police Chief Israel and Detective Molina to be conducted.

Some question why the two police officers called to the scene of the crime did not take any fingerprints. Others question why anyone would want to steal newspaper articles from The Miami Herald, The Record (Bergen County, NJ) 2/22/99, 3/26/99 , Asbury Park Press 7/28/2000, The Philadelphia Inquirer 9/29/98, 9/24/99 .

The articles shared a common thread, the names of the developers who had publicly threatened the artist and his family for bringing too much media attention to the scandal ridden building in the days and months following Hurricane Wilma.

The robbery was not a forced entry. A key, supplied by James Edwards to contractors provided access for the theft to take place. The developer stated that an “Emergency” within the Artists unit, required immediate attention.

Demolition of the existing wall separating Victor-Hugo’s unit from that of his young, female, neighbors was ordered by the Developer. The entire wall was violently torn down, and the debris was maliciously thrown on top of the artist’s works of art, destroying a large portion of Victor-Hugo’s solo exhibit.

Despite inquiries put forth for the developer to provide written clarification of the alleged “Emergency”, justification has yet been presented. Neither James Edwards, nor his father, Dr. Charles Edwards has explained why The Wall inside Victor-Hugo’s studio had to be torn down with such immediacy.

The suspicious violation of free expression occurred the day after Victor-Hugo’s controversial solo exhibit premiered to V.I.P. guests.

No rationalization as to why, several weeks after the authorized devastation occurred, no wall was constructed to provide a safe, private, comfortable haven for either victim.

Imagine being forced into a roommate situation with a person you’ve never met before, and knew nothing about, simply because someone with nepotistic authority deemed it a necessary inconvenience. It is still a mystery what possible Emergency the developer could use to validate such a gross violation of human dignity and artistic expression.

Victor-Hugo’s solo exhibit which ran concurrently with Miami Art Basel was temporarily shut down.

With the help of fans, art lovers, and the support of those who followed the media’s coverage of the event and donated efforts because, as one volunteer put it, “I just cant stand corporate bully’s who try to censor struggling artists.”, the exhibit was restored and rescheduled to run from January 6-9, 2006 concurrently with the Contemporary Arts Festival in Miami Beach.

The Miami Herald featured five of Victor-Hugo’s contentious art pieces in an article about the artist’s plight, more than any single artist represented by Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
This unprecedented feet by an independent artist not directly affiliated or represented by any gallery has led to invitations for participation in exhibits and auctions throughout the country and abroad.

Following his solo exhibit during the Contemporary Art Show, in Miami, Victor-Hugo will participate in exhibits in Naples, Florida and at the Broadway Gallery SOHO in New York City.

Dates for shows in Central, South America, Europe, and China are soon to be announced. Check tour date calendar for scheduled appearances and exhibitions.