God Electromagnetism (Detail ) 2015

Saul Zanolari made this painting called *God Electromagnetism (Detail )* sometime around 2015. It looks like he used computer software to make it. The texture’s so smooth, like a digital print, but the scene itself is wild. Look at the figure soaring through the storm, arm outstretched, almost like he’s controlling the lightning. It’s intense! I love the weird contrast between the smooth, almost plastic-y finish and the chaotic scene it depicts. Then you have the theatrical curtain draped around the painted screen - what is it all about? That dangling, root-like fringe at the top is interesting too. It’s like nature’s trying to break through into this digital landscape. I get a Philip Guston vibe - his later paintings are full of this kind of weird, cartoonish imagery that's also kind of disturbing. It reminds me of how art can be this ongoing conversation.