Shake the World
Rahul Nagpal's 2017 abstract masterpiece, "Shake the World," is an evocative portrayal that transcends conventional norms, delving into an eerie room depicted with profound character and vibrant hues. Through a mesmerizing amalgamation of bright surrealism, Rahul immerses viewers into a world where instability coexists with life's enduring essence. The artwork encapsulates a dining room with a brown dining table in two-thirds of the space, overlooking a winding staircase which has black railings, and brown and red stairs, radiating an eerie aura due to the absence of people from the entire painting. Within this setting lies a solitary chair, a partially consumed bright red apple atop the table, and three burning candles adorning a candle stand illuminate the room. A striking chandelier with four unlit candles, an adjacent wall boasts five paintings, and lastly a lone dark black cat with piercing blue eyes walking down the stairway towards the dining table, symbolizing the quest for sustenance.
In Rahul's words, this depiction signifies the essence of life amidst instability, illuminating the pursuit of sustenance, light, and self-discovery. The room embodies an eerie vibe, devoid of straight lines, with every contour vibrating and crooked, rendering a sense of unsettling movement akin to a world in perpetual shake. The color palette embodies a mix of bright expressionism, featuring deep red for the roof, blue walls, and an unusually warm ochre-brown flooring. The table hosts a bright red, half-eaten apple alongside three burning candles. A section of the wall showcases five diverse-sized and shaded paintings, while a dominant door occupies a significant portion, leading to a space adorned with a black railing, white and red steps, where a descending black cat stands out against its surroundings.
The absence of straight lines suggests a world reflective of wave-like movements, emphasizing an imaginary realm. Rahul's deliberate use of bright red apples symbolizes life amidst instability, offering an introspective view into the complexities of human existence.
Year: 2017
Dimensions:
Medium: Acrylic painting on canvas
Type of Work: Surrealism
Artist: Rahul Nagpal