Latest News

Answering the Absurd: 10 Questions with Artist Michael Cheval

Absurdity can be used in many ways, from making people laugh to revealing new perspectives on old ideas. For Michael Cheval, absurdity is his invitation to be creative. Inspired by the Surrealist movement and the literary works of Lewis Carroll, Cheval turns reality and logic on its head in his Absurdist art. His use of realistic details, fantastical imagery, and enigmatic titles encourages viewers to imagine the stories behind his art and become “co-authors” of his paintings. We’ve previously t...

Artist Michael Cheval Talks About His Ideas, Inspirations, and ‘Explaining’ His Art

Looking at a Michael Cheval painting can be a mind-bending experience. Once you stop admiring his technical skill, you find yourself drawn into the surreal landscapes and absurd narratives that have become his calling card. He's a master of the fantastical, and collectors will often spend hours exploring and debating the symbolism in his works. Cheval recently visited Park West Gallery and was gracious enough to sit down with us to discuss, among other things, the origins of his wildly imaginati...

Michael Cheval Finds the Absurd in Surrealism

Donning a bowler hat, artist Michael Cheval bears a resemblance to artist René Magritte. The similarity is no coincidence, as Cheval’s art is heavily inspired by the late Surrealist. But, despite its mind-bending imagery, Cheval’s artwork does not try to replicate Magritte’s unique perspective. Instead, he uses Surrealism to create something new. “With Surrealism, you don’t have to have text, you can illustrate your philosophy,” Cheval says. Cheval is a Russian-born artist who has become interna...

Artist Michael Cheval Tells the Stories Behind His Fall Art

Many artists are drawn to the unique colors and sensations of autumn, and that includes Absurdist artist Michael Cheval. “I love autumn,” Cheval says. “I love the season when colors are becoming so intensive, the smell of wet soil and a rustle of fallen leaves.” But, for Cheval, fall is more than just brightly-colored foliage. “Every year, Nature reminds us how short our life is,” Cheval says. Rather than anything morbid, Cheval sees autumn as something as cyclical and mysterious. Similar words...