Angel Of Santa Fe 2016

Michael Cheval's 'Angel Of Santa Fe' presents a dreamlike vision, painted with precise realism. The colours are muted and natural, but with a subtle otherworldly glow, like a hazy memory or a half-forgotten legend. Look at how Cheval renders the angel's wings. Each feather is individually articulated, yet they blend together seamlessly, creating a sense of weightlessness. It’s a technique that speaks to an immense amount of labour and obsessive focus. The surface of the painting is smooth, almost seamless, concealing the artist's process. It's as if Cheval wants us to get lost in the image, rather than get caught up in the act of painting. It's not hard to imagine artists like Odd Nerdrum being an influence, with their emphasis on technical skill and the creation of fantastical scenes. Ultimately, 'Angel Of Santa Fe' is a reminder that art can be a portal to another world, a place where dreams and reality intertwine. It encourages us to embrace the ambiguity and find our own meaning in its surreal landscape.