Profundity Keeper 2010

Michael Cheval painted ‘Profundity Keeper’ in a style that feels meticulous and deliberate, like each brushstroke was carefully considered. The colours are rich and jewel-toned, giving it this dreamy, theatrical quality. Looking closely, I see how Cheval builds up the textures. The folds in the fabric seem almost sculpted, while the face has a porcelain smoothness. Notice the coral at the base, it’s rendered with such precision, each tiny branch distinct. Then there’s the way the pearls catch the light, little glimmers of iridescence. It reminds me a little of the surrealist paintings of René Magritte, with its unexpected juxtapositions and enigmatic atmosphere. But Cheval brings his own unique vision to the mix, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly strange. The beauty of art is that it holds space for both clarity and mystery.