2024
Dopamine Series
131 x 88cm
51.5 x 35in
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Charcoal, Pastel on Canvas
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Three Blind Mice
In this visual narrative, the mice evolve beyond their literal identity, serving as symbols of the human condition. Their irregular, ethereal forms suggest a blindness not only of sight but of intent—representing the way we often pursue dopamine-driven desires without fully grasping the broader picture or the consequences. The work subtly suggests the cyclical nature of this pursuit—an ongoing loop of wanting more but never fully reaching satisfaction. Like the mice running in circles, the figures in this piece hint that we, too, may be trapped in our own repetitive quests.
“Three Blind Mice” presents a unique interpretation of the story’s underlying themes of pursuit and danger. The distorted figures, with their hollow eyes and strained expressions, capture the disoriented search of the mice. The contrasting colors and layered scratches and movements reflect the tension between desire and consequence—the fleeting rewards of dopamine that propel them forward, often into risk. The expressive brushstrokes and textured surfaces add depth to this interpretation, illustrating the emotional weight and persistence of the human drive for gratification.
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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Originally made for a private studio exhibition in Mallorca, I crafted this exclusive seven-piece series which delves into the psychology and emotional states influenced by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
