The first thought that occurred to me when I saw Paul Rouphail’s paintings was that they held the power to shut out the surrounding world and drag the viewer into their narrative. Each of his artworks was inviting the spectators to a parallel universe of more dense colors with sharper contrasts and softer edges. Not only were they appealing to the eye, but also they could recall many familiar feelings. The still life painting of a glass of beer with its creamy foam standing on the edge of a table was very tempting, but also so distressing, that I could imagine it falling over. It was everyday life and everyday objects, but with an added charismatic tone.

The paintings of Rouphail have a focus, whether it be the disturbing gaze of an unknown figure, a nearly falling glass, or a dazzling burst of light. The feelings that come with these focuses might vary from restlessness to closeness. While some of them bring a pleasant sensation, others make us uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the resemblance of the scenery to everyday life attracts and holds us in the moment. The use of domestic spaces in the paintings is the undeniable reason for the familiarity in the artworks.

Rouphail utilizes the trompe-l’oeil, which is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to deceive the eye into believing that the painted objects are real. In addition to this method, the artist polishes the ordinary spaces and well-known objects into a more alluring form with shining lights, distinguishable shadows, and reflections.

Another unexpected thing in Roulphail’s paintings is the uncertainty and the curiosity that it builds. The portrayal of two beer bottles might be suggesting that either there is more than one figure in the scenery, or not. The silence in the paintings caters to the personal thoughts and emotions that any gazer might grow out in themselves. The artist states that that’s the challenge for him: Is it possible to make a painting of two whiskey tumblers, and a cigarette, that reminds one of one’s family, or of one’s self, or of the changing climate?

In 2020, his exhibition “Be Quiet” was discussing the on-hold reality and the global economic recession. The shared loneliness depicted in the paintings is both peaceful and cheerless, and that makes Rouphail’s artworks even more relatable.

Take a look at Paul Rouphail’s Instagram @paulrouphail to learn more about his artworks. You can also check his website to find out about his exhibitions. Don’t forget to let us know how familiar his paintings were to you in our comment section below!

About Paul Rouphail

Rouphail lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating with BFA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2010, he earned his MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 2016. As an artist who has been exhibiting his artworks since 2007, his first international solo show “At Home” took place in Stems Gallery, Brussels, in 2019. He lists Belgian still life painter René Magritte as his inspiration, along with Edward Hopper, Horace Pippin, Stephen Shore, Paul Sietsema, and Lisa Yuskavage, and he is influenced by the music of composers Steve Reich and John Adams. His paintings have been exhibited in New York, Los Angeles, Brussels, Milan, Paris, Stockholm, and in many other cities around the world.

Paul Rouphail is represented by Jack Barrett Gallery, New York, Stems Gallery, Brussels, and Smart Objects, Los Angeles, where his upcoming exhibition will take place in 2022.