Proposal II 2015

Michael Cheval created "Proposal II" using oil paints, a medium associated with the historical tradition of fine art. Cheval's choice of oil paint is particularly significant when considered in the context of surrealism. Oil paint, with its capacity for layering and blending, is ideally suited for creating dreamlike, illusory effects. Here, this is most evident in the way the artist has rendered the textures of the roses, the porcelain vase, and the surreal landscape surrounding the figure. The oil paint allows Cheval to create smooth transitions between these different elements, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. The artist’s embrace of this medium speaks to the enduring power of the handmade in a world increasingly dominated by digital images. It reminds us of the direct connection between the artist's hand and the final image, and the unique qualities that arise from that relationship. It is through careful manipulation that Cheval invites us into his surreal world.