2024
Dopamine Series
135 x 282.5cm
53 x 111in
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Charcoal, Pastel on Canvas
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Red Line
This diptych pulses with the frantic energy of modern life, capturing the exhilarating yet precarious balance of being caught in the race to excel. The mirrored riding figures and their respective beasts, barely contained within the swirling emotion of brushstrokes, evoke the sensation of individuals constantly pushing forward, red-lining in pursuit of something just beyond reach. At the center of the composition, the beasts themselves appear to be butting heads, reinforcing the intensity of the conflict and competition. The bold reds and blacks create a sense of motion that feels both thrilling and consuming—much like the adrenaline-fueled pace of contemporary existence. There’s a clear competitive edge, as the figures and their mounts seem not only to race but to battle one another, driven by an inherent need to outdo and outshine. The competition feels less about defeat and more about the shared intensity of striving—an unrelenting push for success that keeps everyone moving at full throttle.
The painting reflects the dopamine-driven rhythms of today’s world, where excitement and reward are perpetually sought, yet always elusive. However, it’s not entirely cynical—there’s an acknowledgment of the beauty in this competitive spirit, in the way we push ourselves, often spurred on by the achievements of others. The mirrored figures, blurred by the frenzy, seem empowered by the battle itself, while their beasts echo that primal clash at the heart of the action. While this relentless drive can be exhausting, it also brings moments of intense energy and possibility. The tension between competition and self-fulfillment is clear, but rather than critique, the work celebrates the dynamic force in modern life, where ambition and competitiveness fuel the thrill of not just the chase, but the battle for success and the exhilaration of rising to the challenge.
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Dopamine
Exhibition Concept
Originally made for a private studio exhibition in Mallorca, I crafted this exclusive seven-piece series which delves into the psychology and emotional states influenced by dopamine. This collection invites viewers to embark on a journey guided by imagination—from the forgotten simplicities of childhood’s purest pleasures to the complex web of self-manipulation that defines adulthood’s pursuit of dopamine. Through contorted forms, fragmented compositions and carefully selected palettes, each piece captures a distinct aspect of our relationship with this powerful neurotransmitter, offering a reflective exploration of how our brains are wired to seek and respond to pleasure.
Drawing from my signature mixed style, this series marries abstract figuration with emotive expression, aiming to provoke unique perspectives, thought and conversation. Each artwork stands as an individual narrative while contributing to a larger dialogue about the subconscious, desire, fulfillment, and the inherent contradictions in our pursuit of happiness. Through this work, I hope to inspire deeper contemplation on how the quest for dopamine shapes our experiences, behaviors, and identities.
-Grason Ratowsky
