Nothing but a Pack of Cards 2017

Michael Cheval made 'Nothing but a Pack of Cards’ using oil paint, and what a fitting medium to conjure a dreamlike world. The tight brushwork and luminous glazes remind me of the old masters, but the subject matter is pure imagination. Look at the way the playing cards cascade like a waterfall, each one rendered with precision. The colors are rich and vibrant, creating a sense of depth and movement. I love how Cheval uses light to create a focal point, drawing our eye to the central figure. The details are incredible, right? There is a real tactile quality to this work. It feels like I could reach out and touch the canvas, tracing the contours of each form. Cheval’s work reminds me of Magritte or Dali, but with a touch of contemporary wit. These artists understood how to use painting to construct alternative realities, and for me, that's what art is all about, creating a space for endless possibilities.