Misgiven Thought 2019

Michael Cheval made this painting, Misgiven Thought, and I'm immediately drawn to how he builds this dreamlike world with what seems like precise control. The ladders and the dress feel almost photographic, but then you notice the surreal touches and the brushstrokes, which are so visible they act like a reminder that everything here is constructed. Looking closely, you can see that the dress isn't just a dress, it's also a network of ladders. The way the ladders are painted – with such detail and yet somehow flat – creates a texture that's both inviting and unsettling. There is a real push-pull between realism and fantasy. Then you notice the small figure carrying the bundle of wood. It's the kind of detail that makes you wonder about narrative, but never quite gives you the key to unlock it. There's something in this piece that reminds me of Magritte, the way he took ordinary objects and rearranged them to create a sense of unease. Like Magritte, Cheval plays with scale and perspective, creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly strange. It’s art as a question rather than an answer, which for me, is always the most interesting kind.