2024
Dopamine Series
131 x 92cm
51.5 x 36in
Acrylic, Oil Stick, Charcoal, Pastel on Canvas
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Wild Child
“Wild Child,” inspired by a poem by Jeanne Willis, channels the raw, frenetic energy of young life through abstract expressionism and fragmented forms. The painting’s riotous yet intentional brushstrokes capture the tension between the untamed spirit and society’s attempts to control it. Through this abstraction, the piece speaks to our suppressed instincts for freedom, curiosity, and the natural world. The dynamic composition evokes a visceral sense of adrenaline and dopamine, reminiscent of the heightened joy and spontaneity of the unbridled, unfenced self.
The work directly contrasts the uninhibited pleasure of early life with the more calculated pursuit of ordered fulfillment in adulthood. Textured layers and shifting forms reflect how this primal energy evolves over time. The abstracted figures compel the viewer to reconsider how societal expectations have shaped our experience of pleasure and freedom, urging us to reconnect with a more authentic, instinctual way of being. “Wild Child” challenges us to see how the exuberance of youth is both tamed and transformed in adult life.
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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Originally made for a private studio exhibition in Mallorca, I crafted this exclusive seven-piece series which delves into the psychology and emotional states influenced by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
