Eleno Leouchev
he/him
The Cardinal
When murderers become celebrities and politicians, their victims are forgotten. Can we show empathy during a time of true crime media and desensitisation?
In the newspapers, 'The Cardinal' - a fictional antagonist - is ‘alleged’ and ‘accused’ to be a criminal, while he sits comfortably above law and justice. A small book titled 'Personal Effects' presented inside an imposing portrait of the mafia leader demands care and attention. Illustrated with collected artefacts from his family home, the publication explores victim-led narratives in an environment of abuse. A recording plays: our journalist laments, questioning if her investigative work is futile, when media illumination only adds to his influence.
Informed by criminologist Dr. Rennison’s writings on victimology, the stressing factor throughout the installation is the human touch. Through paint, ink and pencil, Leouchev humanises the headline. As both a designer and fine artist, he responds to real stories, layering and embedding information within visuals.
Oil on canvas, 120 x 160 cm.
A shelf constructed within the painting holds an archive of Personal Effects.
Perfect-bound in Canary Yellow bookcloth. The title sits into a relief panel.
Each artefact is captioned, revealing a fragmented narrative of a dysfunctional family.
Rice paper creates a gauzey partition between chapters.
Each headline is hand-lettered using burnt umber ink and a dip pen.
Ink wash illustrations.
Printed on 55gsm improved newsprint.
Research
Initial newspaper sketches.
Cutting into canvas to create depth for the shelf.
Tucking canvas behind the stretcher.