Initially inspired by a character from a Hieronymus Bosch painting, this piece delves into the futility of human strife. One witnesses the devastating and senseless conflict in Ukraine, a segment of Europe tearing itself asunder. The artist's sibling was deployed twice to Afghanistan with the British army a decade ago. Such a conflict consumed billions and impacted millions of lives despite the perceived moral high ground of modern democracy. Even with the West's technological edge, it amounted to nothing but a grievous and fruitless endeavour. All wars echo these sentiments to varying extents. Yet, entering combat is often hailed as a grand and honourable deed. The very ethos of medieval chivalry was built upon this notion: that combat was the zenith of valour, courage, and moral principle. There appears to be an intrinsic human inclination towards conflict - to exalt those who step into battle, irrespective of the outcome.

The Colosseum stood as ancient Rome's paramount edifice. Today's most sought-after live events are boxing matches. One needs only observe the dominant monuments in global cities. Yet, one conflict seeds the next, embedding lasting resentments. Predicting the repercussions becomes impossible. Choices arise from fleeting moods, fabrications, and nationalistic tales.

Unexpected events can drastically alter the course of strife, with outcomes often seemingly left to fate's capricious whims.In the artist's depiction, the two fish hanging from hot air balloons are emblems of this vainglorious and fruitless human pursuit. Adorned like knights, they hint at this time-honoured pastime, purportedly steeped in nobility. However, the notion of armoured fish duelling, akin to all warfare, is absurd. Such a bizarre scenario is incongruous for them. Suspending them from balloons heightens the spectacle's drama and grandeur. But the very act is at the mercy of the unpredictable wind. Indeed, if driven by the wind, the adversaries can never truly engage, rendering a conclusion elusive. At its core, like every skirmish, genuine resolution remains unattainable. This portrayal underscores the ironic triviality inherent in humanity's most tragic pursuits.