Battle

Artist Statement – Martin Masetla

Title: "Battle and War" (Dry-Point Print Series)

“Battle and War” is a series of dry-point prints that explores the devastating impact of both

historical and contemporary conflicts. The work reflects on wars within South Africa—most

notably the Battle of Blood River in 1838—as well as ongoing global conflicts in regions such

as Europe and the Middle East, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the

enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The series is presented as both a triptych and a diptych. The first panel portrays the early

stages of conflict, with only a few armed figures depicted. The second and third panels

capture the escalation of violence, incorporating imagery of fighter jets, drones, and tanks to

illustrate the increasing scale and mechanization of war. Through this visual progression, I

aim to convey how poor leadership, failed diplomacy, and broken negotiations can result in

catastrophic consequences for innocent civilians.

Using a delicate dry point etching technique on Fabriano paper, I deliberately contrast the

fragility of the medium with the brutality of warfare. This tension symbolizes the vulnerability

of humanity in the face of conflict. My intention is not only to document and reflect on these

events but also to provoke critical dialogue about the responsibility of leadership and the

urgent need for peaceful, diplomatic solutions.