One of the most recognizable aspects of Mark John Maguire's paintings is his bold use of colour and in "The Empty Carousel" this becomes a powerful tool to express the intriguing and thought provoking theme of his painting. As the man is standing with his dog , looking at an empty carousel, he realizes that he is too old and can no longer recapture the thrill of going around and around. This searing image roots within the consciousness of what he now wishes to be and what remains of his dreams. The carousel is a symbol of what he is realizing and feeling, the thrill of the whirling motion, which represents memories of the past and childhood freedoms. This is a sign that he has abandoned his childhood and "coming of age", has become something different, detached from that early reality. It represents worlds lost to him and no longer accessible, but still vivid and tangible. The carousel moves on and continues in its orbit, but the journey is an illusion: progress is never made. It is the game of life that he understands and this comprehension contrasts with the blind obedience of the dog, who remains unquestioning in his loyalty, besides the man, oblivious to the carousel. The carousel continues to move in circles, perpetuating the childish illusion of getting somewhere - but the man has stepped off the carousel. Now only the illusion of life remains, taunting him from the beautiful, pointless, empty carousel..
Art & Architecture