His theory is that Islamic terrorists are the new heroes of our times and one of the most ubiquitous images in modern mass media. Russia's young and promising artist Pyotr Aksenov has displayed his controversial series of works called “Golden War&rd

Bold, contentious or thought-provoking?

The glitz and glamour of the West with the traditions of Islam – Aksenov is trying to blend things that seem to have nothing in common.

“War now is just another ever-lasting series on TV for us, we take it for granted, and we see all these warlords on TV, in magazines, in movies,” said Aksenov. “They are just another kind of tabloid fixtures like Angelina Jolie and Tom Cruise,” the artist believes.

But he adds he's not trying to offend anyone with his pictures of war-like men in glamorous setting and he definitely can't be blamed for disrespecting religion.

Aksenov graduated from a theological university and obtained a degree in religious studies.

“I greatly admire Islam,” said the artist. “I think that Islam and Christianity are the most powerful religions in the world and that we should consider both of them while taking any political decisions”.

Aksenov has been extensively exhibiting in Europe, Asian and the US over the past few years. However, he's not sure that this series will meet a favourable reaction from audiences in the West, so the only chance to see it is to visit the Moscow-based RuArts gallery.

The exhibition is on till October 25.