Boris Subotic features an idea we all know about, but is rarely captured with such amazing beauty. Electricity inspires us to view the world differently. Generally, electricity is thought of as merely functionality, but where would be in our existence if innovations in this form of technology had never been made. Electricity is painted to depict both the beauty and imagination brought forth by visionaries of the industrial revolutionary period.
Nicola Tesla is featured overseeing the culmination of his many electricity inspired inventions. He remains perched lovingly on one of the turbines that are hidden deep within the system to power surrounding cities. At first viewing, the image depicts an array of colour and light, but as you peer deeper into the background, you can almost visualize people living and working in the buildings. Without the electric system, their life would be altered completely. The landscape would not be illuminated with twinkling city lights and that would certainly be different.
The composition of Electricity is masterfully designed. Vivid hues of the skyline showcase the image is set at dusk, as lights begin to come on for the evening. Another underlying feature are the colours featured in the waterfall itself. The rainbow affect is a welcomed treat for children who wonder about its existence and how to make it brighter. In this image, this rainbow harkens us to dream of what can be. The existence of electricity as we know it today began as merely an idea and dream of a few people, so the piece is remarkably inspiring.
Actually, the entire scope of Electricity is more of a dream inspired by reality. Vibrant colours such as this, in this same image, naturally, would not exist, but within the dream world, colours are altered to affect our mood. Electricity by Boris Subotic is an inspiring piece that makes us think a little harder about flicking on the light switch. Dream a little dream and look deeper into the electricity we use each day.
What inspired you to create such a powerful image and where, exactly, is the image derived from, as far as a physical location?
I know that people don’t like to hear about technical things, but I must first say that I studied and researched the composition for this painting for a long time, and the composition is one hundred percent original, and it is a combination of the real-world location in “Niagara Falls US” where the first Tesla hydroelectric plant was built, which changed and made the world as we know it today. And the other part of this painting is my inner one, I do not want to say imaginary, because that world is even more real to me than this one.
I imagined “Electricity” as one of the “Modern World Wonders”, electricity was, now is and in the future will certainly be the most important miracle. And the painter’s job is to look into the future, right?
If you could place Electricity anywhere in the world, where would that be?
I often ask myself where would one of my paintings end up and where would I like it to end up. And the answer is always the same “With someone who loves and respects it”. Yes, it is true that painting should be studied, but in essence of it you only need to know how to love it.
How do you think Nicola Tesla would react to Electricity?
Boris : Nikola Tesla is my compatriot and he was born in city near where I live.
I know his greatest love was electricity, research and creation. And this painting is a combination of exactly that, so I think he would really like it.
What made you paint such vibrant colours in the image? Would it have remains as impactful if you had chosen more muted tones?
Electricity is light! And Light cannot shine without darkness!
Yellow cannot shine without Violet, but again, let me not get into technical stuff.
Color is power, color is strength! Electricity creates Lightning, and its power cannot be expressed in soft tones! Especially when you look at this painting in person the change of violet tones in the darkness, sometimes I am surprised at the color when I see the painting after some time.
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