"Il Carosello Divino", pen and ink and acrylic on canvas, 24”X60”
This striking piece of graphic art, titled "Il Carosello Divino" (often referred to as *The Divine Carousel*), is a central piece in his "Carousel" series, which explores the surreal, mechanical, and philosophical nature of human existence.
The artwork is characterized by an incredibly high level of detail, utilizing fine cross-hatching and stippling typical of classic lithography or detailed graphite/ink illustrations.
Composition features a massive, dark, central column or pedestal from which several elaborate, fantastical "vessels" are suspended by thin, web-like cables. The overall structure mimics a giant Victorian-style carousel or "merry-go-round."
Instead of traditional horses, the carousel carries surreal, biomechanical vehicles. These look like a fusion of organic life (insects, elephants, shells) and intricate machinery (gears, rivets, ornate carvings). One prominent vessel on the right resembles a massive mechanical elephant carrying a platform, while others look like airborne, armored fish or shells.
At the base of the carousel is a dense, "sea" of human figures. The crowd appears to be scrambling to board the machine, creating a sense of chaotic, desperate energy. This contrasts with the serene, almost ominous suspension of the vessels above.
Tiny figures can be seen dangling from the cables or leaping between the vessels, suggesting a high-stakes "game" or a frantic attempt to stay aloft within this divine mechanism.
As part of the *Carousel of the World* series, the image symbolizes the repetitive, circular nature of history and life. The "divine" aspect suggests a cosmic or predestined order that humans are both fascinated by and trapped within.
The artist uses mechanical motifs to represent the systems—social, religious, or political—that govern human movement.
Oleg Lipchenko has described the series with a poem that captures the mood of the art:
"People came from the prairie, they came from the void,
They brought their pennies and are ready to pay.
A butcher or a beaver, there is only one boat —
Decide are you in or you stay.
They are happy, they have what they dreamed about,
It's a Merry-Go-Round, it's a Roundabout,
Revolver, whatever you say
With you or without
There's always a crowd
You’re welcome to CAROUSEL!"
Original drawing is
SOLD.
Print of
"Il Carosello Divino" - 20"X48"
Belongs to “Carousel" series. Printed on paper and sent in mail tube.
.
*Printmaker notes:
Archival heavyweight paper is designed for displaying images with high saturation. Excellent print quality for graphic arts, archival heavy paper with a matte finish for a premium look. Prints on archival heavyweight matte paper are fade resistant and have an archival rating of 90+ years. This bright paper is ideal for large format printing, making vivid color images look crisp and smooth.