Game Changer 2021

Curator: Michael Cheval’s acrylic painting, titled "Game Changer," produced in 2021, presents us with an intriguing example of contemporary surrealism. What springs to mind as you first view this canvas? Editor: It's wonderfully bizarre. I mean, chess pieces raining down? Two kings looming like ghosts? The woman in the frame, poised like she’s about to flick us off the board—it’s playful, absurd, and slightly unsettling. Curator: Indeed. The painting employs a double frame device. The chess pieces create a visually interesting cascade, drawing our eye from the portrait of the queen, in the ornate picture frame, downward through the space. Notice how the perspective and composition seem to warp slightly. Editor: It's like she's warping reality itself, turning the game of chess – with all its strategic rigidity – into a total free-for-all. Plus, you've got those Elizabethan guards down below; they look both bewildered and totally resigned, like this is just Tuesday for them. There is some great story telling going on here. Curator: Cheval often uses surrealist tropes, the juxtaposition of realistic figures within unreal situations is very present in his ouvre. The work suggests layers of representation— painting within painting—creating ambiguity about the subjects, who have some agency, who are mere pawns, or even characters. Editor: And isn't that just like life? A bit of both, right? We think we're making moves, but maybe someone's just toppled us over with a gloved hand from above! The light gives this painting a timeless quality that I adore; the rich color scheme evokes that of Old Master paintings, further blurring the lines between eras and narratives. The floating geometric figures add depth and more enigma. It is fascinating how he combines hyperrealism, fantasy art and a surreal atmosphere in such a sophisticated fashion. Curator: A fine observation, this painting functions as an intriguing paradox and an intellectual puzzle. Thank you for providing us with fresh perspectives. Editor: My pleasure. It is an eye catching and provocative work; a topsy-turvy world where we are left guessing about who are the puppets, and who is masterminding this absurd show.