Hyperrealistic paintings that look like blurred photographs of cityscapes at night

You know when you have a camera that can't cope with taking photographs in low light? And you end up with out-of-focus images, blurred with colourful lines and swirls that actually look quite appealing? This is what I consider when I look at the beautiful work of Brooklyn-based artist Alexandra Pacula. She creates large-scale paintings that explore the seductive ambiance of cities at night – the pulsating chaos and the exciting fast-pace, along with the neon lights that decorate the urban landscape.

She explains: "My work investigates a world of visual intoxication; it captures moments of enchantment, which are associated with urban nightlife. I am fascinated by the ambiance of the city at night and its seductive qualities. The breathtaking turbulence of speeding vehicles and hasty pedestrians evoke feelings of wonder and disorientation. The vibrant lights become a magical landscape with enticing opportunities and promises of fulfilment.

"In our seemingly content society there is a struggle to achieve greater levels of enjoyment. We explore various environments and activities in search of pleasure. Extravagant lights of night environments seduce us to participate in curious events, enticing us to experience new forms of satisfaction."

Recreating the feeling of dizziness and confusion by letting the paint blur and allowing shapes to dissolve, Alexandra suggestions motion in order to slow down the scene and capture the fleeting moments, which tend to be forgotten. She adds: "The sense of motion is intensified with the use of quick vigorous lines and sharp perspectives. By interpreting lights in graphic or painterly ways, I create a sense of space, alluding to a hallucinogenic experience. I want the viewer’s eye to travel within my composition and experience a familiar, exhilarating event of an actual nightly excursion."

Via CrossConnect | All images courtesy of Alexandra Pacula

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