BoardRiders Art Exhibition

​“Life is a Gamble” series
1. House of Cards
2. All In
3. Let it Ride
4. Spin the Wheel, Face the Deal

These pieces are made n display @boardridersericeira through June. Thank you for the opportunity to share this body of work.

​This idea started to materialize in 2024, while the meaning developed over the completion of the pieces. The series isn’t rooted in gambling; I just find the scenes visually stimulating to assist in conveying the idea. The paintings are symbolic of an idea developed throughout life with multiple major shifts shaping the thought. My choices in taking risks or gambling with life were more rooted in the physical body, and mental concepts. With that said, I can see why so many find the enticement of the bet so passionately. The industry wouldn’t put so much emotionally and mentally provocative marketing into it for no reason. The government wouldn’t allow it, if it didn’t know money would be made. Also, a criminal element operating at many different levels wouldn’t exist, if they couldn’t manipulate the scene for profits. There is a deeper understanding why gambling is so prevalent and pushed in civilized society everywhere.

Another aspect to games, betting, gambling, and the sporting events involved is the amount of symbology, color schemes, and occult knowledge attached to all of it. It is absolutely fascinating, and definitely a work of magic in the spell it holds over society. And it will continue to appear in society as life changes into the next future phase. I understand that life produces situations that change our beliefs again and again. We each make choices opening and closing paths in our lives forming unique experiences. Yet, I have held onto one question throughout life attached to money, time, risk and ownership. If one doesn’t use these resources to figure out oneself throughout life, then isn’t that the biggest gamble of all?

Created using @royaltalens acrylics on @ponto.das.artes canvas with @winsorandnewton and @kolibri_artistbrushes

#art #portugal #symbolism #gambling #selftaughtartist


Sean Kalley