How very appropriate it is for Luke Chueh (interviewed) to base his next show on Dante’s “Inferno” and the 9 rings of hell in the famous Italian poet’s masterpiece.  With much of his career body of work dealing with the physical and mental torture (albeit often comical) of his poor animals, it was not much of a jump to imagine them all in a personal hell that Luke has created for them.

Luke sent us a picture of three of his large paintings for the upcoming show at Gallery 1988 (LA), opening on 9/9/9 (September 9th).  The different rings of hell are Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Wrath & Sloth, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, and Treason of which you can see Limbo, Gluttony (with Cerebrus), and Ring 5 – Wrath (with the River Styx) above.  As you can see, Luke is taking it to the next level with more of a complex “landscape” look as well as expanding his cast of characters. All of which makes us really excited to see the rest of the show.

Expect more coverage from AM to follow, but first, a peak at another ring after the jump…

Discuss this show here.
Discuss Luke Chueh here.